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Lancia Other 1938

General description : When the Astura debuted in 1931, Lancia was already well-established as one of the most respected automobile manufacturers in the world. The brilliant engineer Vincenzo Lancia gave life to such vehicles as the Kappa, Lambda, and Dilambda – all revered for their advanced engineering, superb build quality, and revolutionary design features. Because Lancia was a small company, new models often overlapped with outgoing ones, as was the case with the Astura, which sold alongside the Dilambda for the first few years. Like the Dilambda, the Astura featured a separate chassis rather than the stressed unitary body of the Lambda. While arguably a step back technologically, this allowed Italy’s finest coachbuilders to work their magic on the otherwise brilliant platform. The design was shared with the four-cylinder Artena, though the Astura served the flagship role thanks to the superb, ingenious narrow-angle V8 engine. The Astura formed the basis of some of the most spectacular of all pre-war Lancias, favored by Italy’s cultural and political elite throughout the 30s.

For the Series III, the Astura gained the three-liter version of the V8 engine, hydraulic brakes, and the option of short or long-chassis variants. The final Series IV version, built between 1937 and 1939, featured the same mechanical spec but was only available in a long-wheelbase form. Coachbuilders across Europe made the most of Lancia’s superb flagship, and stunning designs came from the likes of Pourtout, Castagna, Stabilimenti Farina, and the fledgling Pinin Farina – which would go on to create many breathtaking creations based on the Astura.

As one of the last Asturas built, chassis number 413195 is a long-wheelbase fourth-series example, wearing sophisticated and elegant one-off cabriolet coachwork by Pinin Farina. According to the marque historian and collector Hervé Charbonneaux, himself a past owner of this car, S/N 413195 was completed on November 17, 1938, bound for Carrozzeria Pinin Farina. The chassis was said to be a special order by Count Galeazzo Ciano, Benito Mussolini’s son-in-law, and his right-hand man as the chief propagandist in the fascist government. Like many high-ranking Italian officials, Ciano was a Lancia connoisseur and had at least one other Astura in his private stable. But just as 413195 arrived at the coachbuilder’s workshop, Italy’s involvement in World War II interrupted all of Italian industry, meaning Pinin Farina would not complete the job until after the war. Unfortunately for Count Ciano, he would never take delivery of his Lancia. When he suggested Italy may be on the losing side of WWII, Mussolini summarily stripped him of his post for what he saw as the ultimate betrayal of trust. In 1944, Ciano met his fate by firing squad on Mussolini’s orders.

The Astura remained at the Pinin Farina workshop through the end of the war. With auto production in Italy at essentially zero, coachbuilders were desperate for work. They began pushing the boundaries of design to attract what few buyers still had the means for bespoke coachwork. In 1947, Pinin Farina completed the striking body for 413195, debuting it on their stand at the Turin Auto Show the same year. It was apparently purchased by noted art collector and French aristocrat Baron Napoleon Gourgaud, where it lived a gentle life as part of his Paris museum. In 1971, Philippe Charbonneaux and his son Hervé purchased the Lancia from the Gourgaud collection and displayed it at their museum near St. Dizier. The collection still exists as the Musée automobile Reim-Champagne, and a film on their website from 1972 momentarily captures the Astura, appearing to remarkably sound and in original condition at the time – albeit a bit dusty.

It is understood that the next owner was Marco Gastaldi, who acquired it from the Charbonneaux collection in 1977 and owned it through 1992. In 1993, Gastaldi sold it to Carlo Montorfano, who commissioned Italian restorer Mario Galbiati to perform a mechanical overhaul and cosmetic freshening, preserving the car’s original interior. It changed hands again in 2007 and has since been in the care of devoted enthusiasts who have maintained it in superb condition.

The imposing and grand Astura possesses a remarkable presence. Pinin Farina’s brilliance is on full display, making the most of the 137-inch wheelbase with a graceful and sophisticated fully-enveloped design that was years ahead of its time. The lack of excessive trim or finicky grille designs is in stark contrast to many early post-war cars, and the car exudes quiet elegance. It is strikingly finished in black, with black wheels, black-wall Michelin tires, and finely restored brightwork. The interior was recently restored, with the rich burgundy leather true to original specifications and providing a perfect contrast to the understated livery. Paint and coachwork are superb, with exquisite panel alignment and detailing.

It might be a surprise to the casual onlooker to learn the Astura has a V8 under the bonnet. Topped with a single cylinder head, it is astonishingly compact and a stunning display of engineering, particularly since it was designed nearly a century ago. The engine compartment is clean and well-detailed, reflecting some occasional use and remaining true to original specifications.

This astonishing Lancia Astura participated in the 2021 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it completed the road tour without fault and took First in Class in a highly competitive grouping of European open coachbuilt cars. It has also been shown at the highly prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and is accompanied by a FIVA passport and Automoclub Storico Italiano registration papers, ensuring its eligibility for a wide range of road events and concours. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a significant piece of Lancia and Pinin Farina history that is sure to be a breathtaking centerpiece to any collection.


Offers welcome and trades considered

1938 Lancia Other is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in St. Louis by Hyman Ltd. for $850000.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : Lancia Model : Other Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1938 Sub type : Convertible Location : Missouri Vehicle Registration : Undefined

850000 $

Seller Information

Hyman Ltd.

Hyman Ltd.
314-524-6000
Contact Seller

ClassicDigest Market Radar on Lancia Other

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About Lancia
Ah, Lancia, the Italian marque that danced on the edge of automotive brilliance! Let me take you on a journey through the captivating story of Lancia, a brand that embodies passion, innovation, and rallying prowess.

Act 1: The Early Years (1906-1920s)
Lancia was founded in 1906 by Vincenzo Lancia, an engineering wizard with a flair for the extraordinary. The brand quickly gained a reputation for its precision engineering and innovative approach. The Lancia Alpha, introduced in 1907, was the first car to feature a narrow-angle V4 engine, setting the tone for Lancia's commitment to technical excellence.

Act 2: Innovation at its Core (1930s-1950s)
The 1930s saw Lancia pushing the boundaries of innovation with models like the Lambda, the first car to feature a load-bearing monocoque chassis. The Aprilia, introduced in the 1930s, showcased cutting-edge aerodynamics and a V4 engine, solidifying Lancia's reputation as a pioneer.

Act 3: Post-War Elegance (1950s-1960s)
After World War II, Lancia continued to dazzle with models like the Aurelia, the first production car to feature a V6 engine. It blended performance with comfort and elegance. The Flaminia followed, embodying luxury and advanced engineering.

Act 4: Rally Domination (1970s-1980s)
Lancia etched its name in motorsport history with an unparalleled rally legacy. The Lancia Stratos, a wedge-shaped wonder, dominated the rally scene in the 1970s, clinching three consecutive World Rally Championships from 1974 to 1976. The Delta Integrale, introduced in the 1980s, continued this rally reign with multiple championships.

Act 5: Struggles and Resilience (1990s-2000s)
The latter part of the 20th century brought financial challenges for Lancia, leading to collaborations with other automakers. Despite the difficulties, Lancia introduced models like the Thesis and the Ypsilon, showcasing its commitment to style and substance.

Act 6: 21st Century Reinvention (2010s-Present)
In the 2010s, Lancia faced a shift in strategy, focusing on the Ypsilon as its primary model. While production numbers dwindled, the brand maintained its reputation for distinctive design and comfort.

Epilogue: A Legacy of Passion and Innovation
Lancia's story is one of passion, innovation, and motorsport glory. The brand, with its groundbreaking designs, technological advancements, and rallying triumphs, has left an indelible mark on the automotive world. Lancia may have faced challenges in recent years, but its legacy lives on, celebrated by enthusiasts who recognize the magic woven into each Lancia creation. Finally, Here are some of the most important Lancia models that have left an enduring mark:

1. Lancia Lambda (1922-1931):
The Lancia Lambda is often considered a pioneering model, being the first car to feature a load-bearing monocoque chassis. This innovation set the stage for modern automotive design. The Lambda was available in various body styles and showcased Lancia's commitment to engineering excellence.

2. Lancia Aurelia (1950-1958):
The Aurelia, introduced in the early 1950s, was a groundbreaking model for Lancia. It was the first production car to feature a V6 engine, and it incorporated advanced engineering, including a rear transaxle and inboard rear brakes. The Aurelia set new standards for performance and comfort.

3. Lancia Flaminia (1957-1970):
Continuing Lancia's tradition of combining style with innovation, the Flaminia was introduced as a luxury sedan. It featured a V6 engine, a de Dion rear suspension, and avant-garde styling. The Flaminia further solidified Lancia's reputation for producing high-end, technically advanced vehicles.

4. Lancia Stratos (1973-1978):
The Lancia Stratos is an icon in the world of rallying. Born out of Lancia's rallying ambitions, the Stratos was purpose-built for competition. With its distinctive wedge-shaped design and a mid-mounted V6 engine, it became the first car to win the World Rally Championship three times consecutively from 1974 to 1976.

5. Lancia Delta (1979-1994):
The Lancia Delta is synonymous with rally success. It dominated the rally scene in the late '80s and early '90s, winning six consecutive manufacturers' titles in the World Rally Championship. The Delta's combination of performance, agility, and versatility made it an icon both on and off the rally stages.

6. Lancia Thema 8.32 (1986-1994):
The Lancia Thema 8.32 was a performance-oriented version of the Thema sedan, and it stood out for its collaboration with Ferrari. It featured a 3.0-liter V8 engine sourced from Ferrari, making it one of the few sedans with a Ferrari powerplant. This model showcased Lancia's ability to blend luxury and performance.
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