1946 Lancia Aprilia

Sold for $396,000 at 2015 Dragone Auction - Fall.
Lancia introduced the Aprilia in 1937, with production continuing after World War II through 1949. It was a pivotal model for the company and was the last model completed before Vincenzo Lancia's death in 1937. While power was supplied by an unusual and compact narrow-angle V-4 engine, its chassis was fitted with designs by various coachbuilders such as Zagato, Touring, Bertone and, as this car, Pinin Farina. The 1939 Series II models were given an enlarged (from 1,352cc to 1486cc) engine, with the emphasis on increased torque and smoothness.

Due to the hostilities following World War II, Italy was restricted from showing cars at the 1946 Paris Auto Salon. Pinin Farina, along with his son Sergio, drove this car along with an Alfa Romeo, to France and set up their own display on the street in front of the entrance to the Grand Palais where the show was held. The two cars were quite a spectacle at a time when the show was comprised of utilitarian and ordinary prewar vehicles.

Prior to World War II, Pinin Farina built bespoke Aprilias for competition and road use, along with two-door cabriolet s and four-light and six-light berlinas, which were offered in the factory catalogue.

It remained registered to Roblou, a company whose address was the headquarters of the Lancia importer, until 1965. It was rediscovered in the north of France in 2010, restored in Pisa, Italy, in 2013 and recently joined the current caretaker's collection.