THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR
Coachbuilding, design & conversions
PRICE & SALES RECORD
Vehicle value
- Original price
- Not documented
- Latest recorded sale
- Not documented
01 / THE STORY
History & context
The Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet (1948) was coachbuilt by Borsani. The development of the Aprilia Cabriolet was part of Lancia’s efforts to produce versatile and stylish automobiles in the post-World War II era, reflecting the growing demand for personal luxury vehicles. The design and coachbuilding process involved close collaboration between Lancia’s engineers and the artisans at Borsani, emphasizing proportions that combined elegance with functionality. The bodywork was constructed using traditional methods, with attention to detail that characterized the craftsmanship of Italian coachbuilders during this period.
Mechanically, the Aprilia Cabriolet was based on the Lancia Aprilia chassis, which featured advanced engineering for its time, including a unitary body structure that enhanced rigidity and reduced weight. The vehicle was powered by an inline-four engine, providing a balance of performance and efficiency suitable for both urban and rural driving conditions. The suspension system was designed for improved handling, contributing to a smooth ride quality that appealed to discerning customers.
Production of the Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet was limited to a single unit, underscoring its exclusivity and the bespoke nature of its construction. Documentation indicates that this unique model was exhibited in various automotive events, showcasing the craftsmanship of Borsani and the innovative engineering of Lancia. Surviving examples are recorded in private collections and institutional archives, providing reference for researchers of postwar coachbuilding. The Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet Borsani remains a significant artifact in the study of automotive design and luxury vehicle production.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 1
- Production type
- One-off
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- V4 a V stretto — donor/base Lancia Aprilia II serie
- Displacement
- 1,486 cc
- Power (CV)
- 48 CV
- Engine speed
- 4,300 rpm
- Transmission
- Manual 4-speed
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
- Specification notes
- DONOR_BASE_ONLY — FCA/Stellantis Heritage documents the Aprilia second series with a 1,486 cc narrow-angle V4. Applied only to the 1948 donor/base; the Borsani Cabriolet body identity remains independently researchable. | Source-backed donor/model-level baseline for Lancia Aprilia second series (1940–1949 in this projection): narrow-angle V4, 1486 cc, 48 CV at 4300 rpm, 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive. Coachbuilt-body dimensions, weight and maximum speed are intentionally not inherited.
03 / DESIGN, BODY & SUPPLIERS
Design, body & suppliers
Design & manufacture
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Lancia
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Borsani
Body form & construction
- Body style
- Cabriolet
04 / EVENTS & CHRONOLOGY
Events & awards
No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.
08 / GALLERY
Photo gallery 3 photographs
09 / PERIOD ARCHIVE
Period photographs & advertising
The period archive gallery will show historical photographs, advertisements, brochures and press images once assets, provenance and usage rights have been recorded in the masterfile.










THE CONVERSATION
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