THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Manufacturer
- Lancia
- Base model
- Aprilia Cabriolet
- Coachbuilder
- Balbo
- Production period
- 1948
- Body style
- Cabriolet
- Designer
- Giovanni Michelotti
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 Balbo is a beautiful example of post-war Italian automotive design, crafted by the renowned Carrozzeria Balbo. Probably a one-off, this model stands out for its elegant yet innovative approach to styling, particularly with the introduction of the “ponton” line. One of the defining features of this cabriolet is the high, sweeping line that connects the front mudguard to the rear, seamlessly integrating the mudguards into the overall bodywork. This design element was an early precursor to the “ponton” style, which would become a significant trend in automotive design in the years that followed. The integration of the mudguards into the bodywork not only enhances the car’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its smooth, fluid lines. The Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet Balbo reflects the elegance and refinement that were central to Italian design in the 1940s and 1950s, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of what was considered innovative at the time. Carrozzeria Balbo’s work on this cabriolet perfectly captures the spirit of the erablending traditional craftsmanship with forward-thinking design principles. The Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet remains an iconic representation of Italian luxury, coachwork and innovation, and its bespoke design continues to be admired by automotive enthusiasts today.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Limited
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- V4
- Displacement
- 1,486 cc
- Power (CV)
- 48 CV
- Engine speed
- 4,300 rpm
- Transmission
- Manual 4-speed
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
- Gearbox
- Manual 4-speed
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Power RPM
- 4300 rpm
03 / DESIGN, BODY & SUPPLIERS
Design, body & suppliers
Design & manufacture
- Designer · Documented
- Giovanni Michelotti
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Balbo
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Lancia
Body form & construction
- Body style
- Cabriolet
04 / EVENTS & CHRONOLOGY
Events & chronology
No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.
08 / GALLERY
Photo gallery 1 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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