1936 LANCIA Aprilia 1.5L V4 4MT (48 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Lancia Aprilia was the last brainchild of Vincenzo Lancia, the company’s founder, but unfortunately, he never got to see the production model.

The Italian automaker unveiled the Lancia Aprilia at the 1936 Paris Motor Show, and Vincenzo Lancia had high hopes for the revolutionary car. Yet, he passed away in February 1937 after a heart attack, and he never saw its creation blooming on the market. Nevertheless, the Aprilia enjoyed great success since the first series was produced between 1937 and 1939 and sold 10,354 units. Then, WWII started. Production was resumed after the war. But that was a different Europe.

When the company founder trusted Battista Falchetto to pen the car, the idea was to create a streamlined vehicle. And that’s what he did. The Aprilia sported a narrow front end with a V-shaped radiator grille flanked by curved lower fenders. From its sides, the car boasted a unique rear end curved and sloped down to the back, and the result was an astonishing, for those times, 0.47 Cx coefficient. In addition, the fridge-like doors, when opened, left a free entry space with no B-pillar between the A- and C-pillars.

Inside, the geometric design featured squared dials placed in front of the driver, which was unusual for a 1937 car when many other automakers still mounted them in the dashboard’s center. The car was available in Standard or Luxury trim levels, and the latter boasted leather-wrapped seats and door cards. In addition, the automaker considered mounting door pockets.

Under the streamlined hood, Lancia installed a narrow V4 engine that produced a mere 46 HP (47 PS). Moreover, the independent suspension and the low car’s weight and center of gravity made it a sports sedan in an era when this term was not even invented.