1949 Lancia Aprilia

Advancements in various modes of transportation, including the marine and airplane industry, were quickly absorbed by automakers, from streamlined designs to lightweight construction techniques. In 1936, Vincenzo Lancia's marque became one of the very first automakers to demonstrate the benefits of using revolutionary wind tunnel testing pioneered by the aero industry. The recipient of this design study was the Aprilia, the last vehicle conceived by Vincenzo Lancia himself before his passing in February 1937. Its remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.47 was complimented by its equally advanced monocoque construction, compact V-4 engine, and fully independent suspension. Its attractive fastback styling and pillarless coachwork rested atop a wheelbase of 108 inches, a length of 155.9 inches, and was 57.9 inches wide. Production began in 1937 and ended in 1949.

The narrow-angled V4 engine initially displaced 1,352cc before growing to 1,482cc with the Series 2. The platform provided torsional stiffness, with a unitized sheet steel floor and rear, and a structural engine bay and cowl. Production of the first series lasted through 1939, with approximately 10,354 units built. The second series, equipped with the larger displacement engine, was produced through 1949 with 9,728 units built. The second series offered a Lusso model as well as a lungo (lengthened), with the latter being built from 1946 to 1949 with 706 examples built.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2022