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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Lancia Astura Cabriolet Pininfarina

1938Coachwork by Pininfarina

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 distinctions—such as the placement of parking lights on the mudguards—that 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 coachbuilding—a 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.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
Museo Nicolis — Lancia Astura Berlina Gran Sport III Serie www.museonicolis.com Museum vehicle history

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history1 dated records
  1. Unassigned chassis · Event

    Paris

THE CONVERSATION

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