c.1940 Lancia Aprilia Saloon Project, Registration no. not registered Chassis no. 4210

One of the most gifted automobile engineers of all time, Vincenzo Lancia did not live long enough to see his final creation enter production, although the exacting parameters he set out would shape what many consider to be the true ancestor of the modern motor car. Launched in 1937, two months after his death, the Aprilia set new standards in production car design. Presaging post-war developments, the saloon broke away from the traditional 'three-box' layout and incorporated all-independent suspension and hydraulic braking, while the unitary construction bodyshell and overhead-camshaft narrow-angle V4 engine were advances Lancia devotees had enjoyed for many years. Rather than being merely a styling device, the Aprilia's streamlined shape had been determined by wind tunnel experimentation, one of the very first instances of the science of aerodynamics being applied to a production car. This meant that despite having only 1,351cc (later 1,485cc) at its disposal, the Aprilia was good for nearly 80mph and stopped and handled better than anything in its class. 'Mirror-image' doors and pillar-less construction ensured that for ease of passenger access the Aprilia was unrivalled.

It is not known when this particular Aprilia was acquired. Some repairs have been made to the chassis, but otherwise the car requires full restoration and thus is sold strictly as viewed. There are no documents with this potentially most rewarding project.