Tag Archives: astura

Lancia Astura by Pinin Farina

Posted on by
Reply

1939 Lancia Astura Series IV Convertible by Pinin Farina

Offered by Bonhams | Cheserex, Switzerland | June 2024

Photo – Bonhams

The Astura was one of two V8-powered cars Lancia sold during the 1930s, outlasting the Dilambda by an extra four years. It was produced from 1931 through 1939 across four series. This is a Series IV car, which were around from 1937 through the end of production.

Just 423 examples of the Series IV were built, each with power from a 3.0-liter V8 that made 82 horsepower. All 423 were long-wheelbase cars, and they also featured hydraulic brakes. These were coachbuilt cars, and this one was completed two weeks before the start of WWII and is an early example of Pinin Farina coachwork.

The rumor is that the car was owned by Mussolini at some point. It was later owned by Bernie Ecclestone. So… draw your own comparisons. It was restored in 2020 and has an estimate of $310,000-$450,000. Click here for more info.

Tipo Bocca Astura

Posted on by
1

1936 Lancia Astura Series III Tipo Bocca Cabriolet by Pinin Farina

Offered by RM Sotheby’s | Amelia Island, Florida | March 10, 2017

Photo Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

The Astura was Lancia’s large car, built between 1931 and 1939. While production overlapped with the Dilambda that the Astura was to replace, it was Lancia’s flagship car and the competitor to the big Alfa Romeos, Delehayes (and the like) of the era. Built in three series, this Series III car is one of 1,243 examples built between 1933 and 1937. It was the most popular series.

The Series III was powered by an 82 horsepower 3.0-liter V-8. While power seems a little light (it was), the car was relatively light as well, with Lancia suggesting that external coachbuilders keep the coachwork to a specific weight. Coachbuilt Asturas are pretty cars, this one being no exception. Pinin Farina’s sleek design was every bit as stylish as the cars coming out of France in the mid-1930s. Also, it has a power top. How many cars from 1936 can say that?

This is one of 328 short wheelbase Series III Asturas built. It is also one of six “Tipo Bocca” (as Pinin Farina called them) Cabriolets built for one specific Lancia dealer in Italy (these six were split between short and long wheelbase chassis). The car made its way to America in 1947 and the current owner acquired it in 2011. It was exquisitely restored thereafter and won awards at both Amelia Island and Villa d’Este. And rightfully so – it’s gorgeous. Price when new? A not insignificant $4,200. Price today? An even less insignificant $2,000,000-$2,600,000. Click here for more info and here fore more from this sale.

Update: Sold $2,145,000.

Update: Sold, RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2022, $1,380,000.

Lancia Astura Cabriolet

Posted on by
3

1938 Lancia Astura Series IV Cabriolet by Carrozzeria Boneschi

Offered by Bonhams | Paris, France | February 7, 2013

1938 Lancia Astura Series IV Cabriolet by Carrozzeria Boneschi

Many of the classic Lancias of the 1920s are boxy -like the Lambda and Dilambda and even the first generation of the Astura. But in the mid-to-late 1930s, Lancia’s vehicles began to become a little more shapely at the hands of coachbuilders. This Astura Cabriolet looks fantastic.

The Astura took the place of the Lambda in the Lancia lineup. It was introduced in 1931 and was still a rather boxy car. But by the time this Fourth Series car came around (it was the final Series and was introduced in 1937), these wonderful curves were available from such coachbuilders as Carrozzeria Boneschi – a Milan coachbuilder who had a long relationship with Lancia. It looks like something that could’ve come from the best of the French design houses of the period.

The engine is an 82 horsepower, 3.0-liter V8. This car was purchased new by a “Belgian coal-mining magnate” and was kept in storage for a long time. It has been repainted (in its original color), but everything else is entirely original. This is one of 423 Series IV Asturas built before production ended in 1939. It is one of three bodied by Boneschi and the only one still in existence. It should bring between $520,000-$660,000. Read more here and check out more from this sale here.

Update: Sold $893,800.