THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1938
- Body style
- Cabriolet
- Engine
- V8 a V stretto — donor/base Lancia Astura III/IV serie
- Type
- Limited
- Production
- 2
- Displacement
- 2,972 cc
- Power
- 82 CV
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 1938 Lancia Astura Cabriolet, crafted by the esteemed Pininfarina, stands as a compelling example of the synergy between engineering innovation and timeless design. A paragon of pre-war automotive elegance, this cabriolet seamlessly blended aerodynamic efficiency with classical styling cues, reflecting the evolving tastes of the late 1930s. While several variations of the Astura Cabriolet were produced, each bore subtle yet significant distinctionssuch as the placement of parking lights on the mudguardsthat spoke to the bespoke nature of Pininfarina’s craftsmanship. Unveiled at the prestigious 1938 Paris Motor Show, the Astura Cabriolet immediately captured the admiration of critics and spectators alike. Its sleek, tapering rear section embodied aerodynamic sophistication, while the more traditionally styled front end maintained a stately presence. This juxtaposition of modern and classic elements was a hallmark of Pininfarina’s design philosophy, which emphasized both aesthetic refinement and functional excellence. Pininfarina’s collaboration with Lancia resulted in a vehicle that was as pleasurable to drive as it was to behold. Underneath the elegant exterior, the Astura chassis offered smooth performance and impressive ride quality, further enhancing the car’s appeal to an elite clientele. These automobiles were not mass-produced but instead tailored to the unique preferences of their owners, making each example a one-of-a-kind expression of luxury and innovation. This 1938 Lancia Astura Cabriolet by Pininfarina is revered as a symbol of the golden age of coachbuildinga period when artistry and engineering were intricately intertwined. Its debut in Paris marked more than just the unveiling of a new car; it signified a bold step forward in automotive design. Decades later, the Astura Cabriolet continues to be celebrated for its beauty, sophistication, and enduring influence on the evolution of car design.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 2
- Production type
- Limited
- Production notes
- Paris 1938 family/show page retained. Legacy Units=2 cleared because no checked source establishes two as the production total or maps the page exactly to 41-2943 and 41-2945. Exact chassis histories remain separate.
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- V8 a V stretto — donor/base Lancia Astura III/IV serie
- Displacement
- 2,972 cc
- Power (CV)
- 82 CV
- Engine speed
- 4,000 rpm
- Transmission
- Manual 4-speed
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
- Specification notes
- DONOR_BASE_PROJECTION — base-model technical fields projected from BORSANI-LANCIA-ASTURA-TORPEDO-1938 because make/model/year match exactly. This does not assert that the coachbuilt/special vehicle retained identical tuning or performance. | Source-backed donor/model-level baseline for Lancia Astura Series III–IV: narrow-angle V8, 2973 cc, 82 CV at 4000 rpm, 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive. Coachbuilt-body dimensions, weight and maximum speed are intentionally not inherited.
Design & manufacture
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Lancia
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Pininfarina
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
Paris General · legacy_preserved
- Date
- 1938
- Chassis
- General
Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. No award inferred.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 4 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Museo Nicolis — Lancia Astura Berlina Gran Sport III Serie www.museonicolis.com | Museum vehicle history |











THE CONVERSATION
Comments 0
Share a memory, a period photograph or a documented detail about this car.