LANCIA - Aprilia - Restored to its original factory specifications by Carrozzeria Touring with meticulous attention to detail, regardless of cost, Mille Miglia Eligible

Caratteristiche

Descrizione

- Iconic post-war Italian engineering excellence

- Restored to its original factory specifications by Carrozzeria Touring with meticulous attention to detail, regardless of cost

- A car for gentlemen racers, capable, refined, fast enough to be taken seriously

- The Lancia Aprilia was a standout competitor in the historic Mille Miglia, dominating in the 1.1- to 1.5-litre classes

- It embodied a uniquely Italian balance of elegance and competition spirit

- Independent suspension on all four wheels, exceptional ride comfort for its era

- Elegant pillarless door design with rear-hinged back doors

- Highly regarded for innovation, refinement, and forward-thinking design

- Many Italian enthusiasts of historic regularity rallies consider the Lancia Aprilia the perfect car for these events. Its balanced handling, responsive steering, and reliable performance make it ideal for the tight, winding courses where precision and consistency are key

Founded in 1906 by Vincenzo Lancia, a racing driver with the soul of an engineer, the marque had always followed its own constellation rather than the common road.

Where others sought convention, Lancia sought invention. Narrow-angle V engines. Independent suspension when rigid axles were still the rule. Bodies shaped not by fashion but by the wind itself.

When first introduced in 1937, the Aprilia was already a revelation. Its body, developed with the guidance of aerodynamic studies in the Politecnico di Torino’s wind tunnel, flowed with a teardrop purity rare for its time.
It was one of the earliest production saloons to truly consider airflow as a governing principle.
The doors opened wide and pillarless. Beneath that graceful skin lay engineering sophistication that bordered on audacity.
In 1939, the Aprilia evolved into its Second Series, and after the war it became one of the pillars of Lancia’s rebirth.

Production of the Aprilia II continued until 1949, bridging the divide between pre-war brilliance and post-war renewal.

The most significant mechanical refinement of the Second Series was the improvement of the V4 engine, whose output rose to approximately 48 horsepower thanks to a revised cylinder head design.

In a car weighing little more than 900 Kilograms, this meant liveliness smooth, elastic acceleration delivered with mechanical refinement rather than brute force.

The chassis retained its advanced independent suspension system, giving the Aprilia a composed, almost serene road manner.

The absence of a central B-pillar when the doors were open created a theatrical entrance. It was a compact car, yet it felt expansive in thought.

The Aprilia became a favorite of gentleman drivers: capable, refined, and forgiving, yet fast enough to be taken seriously.

It embodied a uniquely Italian balance of elegance and competition spirit.

The Lancia Aprilia did not merely belong to elegant boulevards and thoughtful engineers, it belonged, quite naturally, to the Mille Miglia.

The Lancia Aprilia was a standout competitor in the Mille Miglia, particularly in the late 1930s and post-war events. Known for its aerodynamic design, lightweight construction, and advanced independent suspension, the Aprilia excelled in the 1.1- to 1.5-litre classes.

While it didn’t dominate overall, it regularly secured impressive class finishes, proving that a combination of reliability, efficiency, and smart engineering could achieve remarkable success in one of the toughest endurance races in the world.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

This specific Aprilia, left the factory on September 26th, 1947.

Its original and iconic design, with light grey bodywork and a grey fabric interior, perfectly showcases the elegance that Lancia was known for.

This particular Lancia Aprilia was acquired by a prominent Belgian industrial family, known for their passion for classic cars.
Since the early 2000s, they have owned Carrozzeria Touring, one of Italy’s most prestigious coachbuilders, famed for their expertise in restoring and refining vintage cars.

With such a deep passion for automotive artistry, the family decided to send this Lancia Aprilia to Carrozzeria Touring for a meticulous restoration.

Every detail, down to the smallest bolt, was redone with impeccable care and precision. No compromises were made, and any necessary parts were replaced with original pieces, regardless of cost.

The final result is a car that not just retains its authenticity but enhances it, bringing it back to a condition as if it were brand new.

Every aspect of the car, both aesthetic and functional, was treated with the same passion and dedication that distinguishes the finest restorers in the world.

Since its restoration, this stunning Aprilia has been part of the family’s private collection in Belgium, where it continued to impress.

Recently, this Lancia Aprilia underwent a thorough mechanical overhaul to ensure it was in perfect condition to handle even the toughest challenges.

Every system was tested and optimized to deliver exceptional performance while maintaining the car’s historic character.

This preparation has made the vehicle ready to tackle prestigious automotive events, such as the renowned Mille Miglia, with both confidence and power.

This Lancia Aprilia is eligible for the Mille Miglia and with its recent servicing and preparation its entry into the Mille Miglia is one of its natural destinations, where the charm of the past and modern mechanics meet perfectly.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

The exterior of this Lancia Aprilia is in impeccable condition.

The paintwork has been expertly applied, offering a flawless, smooth finish with a deep, glossy shine that highlights the graceful lines of the car.

The car’s chrome and aluminum elements, including the bumpers, grille, and trim pieces, have been restored to their original lustre, showing no signs of wear or oxidation. These details shine brilliantly against the understated grey body, adding a touch of sophistication.

All the panels have been meticulously aligned, ensuring a precise fit that speaks to the high-quality work carried out by Carrozzeria Touring.

The car’s paintwork has been protected by a durable, clear coat, preserving its pristine appearance and ensuring that it continues to turn heads for years to come.
Overall, the exterior of this Lancia Aprilia is a perfect balance of classic beauty and meticulous restoration.

CONDITION INTERIOR

The overall condition of the interior is showcasing not just the quality of the restoration but also the dedication to preserving the car’s historical authenticity.

The seats are upholstered in the original grey fabric, which has been carefully restored to its pristine condition, retaining the soft, tactile feel that epitomises classic Italian luxury.

The fabric’s texture is smooth yet durable, offering both comfort and sophistication.

The seats themselves have been expertly reupholstered, ensuring that they not only maintain their period-accurate appearance but also provide modern-day comfort for any driver or passenger.

The dashboard’s instrumentation has been fully restored, with the original dials and gauges perfectly calibrated and functioning flawlessly.

The door panels, also upholstered in the same grey fabric, mirror the refined style of the seats, while chrome handles and trim pieces provide a touch of sparkle against the soft interior tones.

The interior also features luxurious touches like the original-style gear lever, and the restored upholstery on the rear bench seat, ensuring that the car’s rear passengers enjoy the same level of comfort and elegance as those seated at the front.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

Driving this Lancia Aprilia is a truly captivating experience, blending the charm of classic motoring with modern precision.

Behind the wheel, the car’s performance feels smooth and controlled, as the engine responds effortlessly to each press of the accelerator.

The gearbox shifts with remarkable fluidity, and the overall handling makes it clear why the Lancia Aprilia was highly regarded in its time.

Many Italian enthusiasts of historic regularity rallies consider the Lancia Aprilia the perfect car for these events.

Its balanced handling, responsive steering, and reliable performance make it ideal for the tight, winding courses where precision and consistency are key.

Taking this Lancia Aprilia to the Mille Miglia would be an unforgettable experience.

As one of the most iconic and prestigious road races in the world, the Mille Miglia offers the perfect stage for such a well-restored classic.

This car is fully capable of taking on the challenges of the event, offering both reliability and performance in equal measure.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.