1947 Lancia Aprilia

Production of the Lancia Aprilia began in February of 1937, the same month in which the firm's founder, Vincenzo Lancia, passed away. The Aprilia was the final Lancia to have Vincenzo's input prior to his death. The engine was a narrow-angled V4 with a 1300cc displacement, a sliding pillar front suspension, and a trailing arm with a transverse leaf spring mounted on the rear differential. Brakes were hydraulic drums at all four corners with the rears being inboard.

The first series, produced from 1937 through 1939, used a 1352cc V4 motor delivering approximately 45 horsepower. The second series, built from 1939 through 1949, had a 1,486cc displacement and nearly 50 horsepower. A Lusso model was also available on the second series, along with a lungo (or lengthened) chassis. The compact V4 engine allowed for a shorter nose on the Aprilia, enabling a more centrally positioned passenger compartment and slender rear styling.

Lancia built 20,082 examples of the Aprilia and 7,554 additional chassis for coach builders. Seven hundred six examples were lungo.

The original Berline bodyshell was a monocoque construction with a pillarless, front and rear door opening. A two-door cabriolet was also available, along with special designs by coachbuilders, including Ugo Zagato, Carrozzeria Touring, Bertone, Michelotti (while at Vignale), and Luigi Pagani. Pinin Farina even built a 'Speciale Cabriolet.'

Batista 'Pinin' Farina founded Carrozzeria Pinin Farina in 1930 after breaking away from his brother's company, Stabilimenti Farina. Pinin Farina, best known for their work with Ferrari, was initially helped by financial backing from Vincenzo Lancia during its early history. Thus began a strong relationship between the two companies. Pinin Farina's involvement with the Aprilia began at its inception and, before the war, constructed bespoke Aprilias for road and competition purposes. Additionally, the built two-door cabriolets and four-light and six-light Berlinas, available through the factory catalog.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2021