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
- EUR 667,000 2013-02-07 · Bonhams
01 / THE STORY
History & context
The Lancia Astura Cabriolet Boneschi is a remarkable example of pre-war automotive elegance and innovation. This particular car, chassis number ’41-3125′, is the only known survivor of three 4th-Series Asturas that were bodied in this unique style by Carrozzeria Boneschi, and was sold in 1938 by the Milanese Minetti dealer. Founded by Giovanni Boneschi shortly after World War I, the company had established close ties with Lancia, often creating custom coachwork for their high-end models. This Astura Cabriolet features stunning aerodynamic design elements that set it apart from more traditional cars of its era. The bodywork is sleek and flowing, emphasizing both luxury and speed. One of its most striking features is its avant-garde radiator grille, which adds a modern and bold touch to the car’s front end. Enhancing its aerodynamic silhouette further are the rear wheel spats, which cover the rear wheels, giving the car a streamlined appearance while reducing drag. In addition to its exterior flair, the Astura Cabriolet includes a fold-flat windscreen, which was an advanced and stylish feature at the time. This not only adds to the car’s sporty appeal but also allows for a different driving experience, offering an open and unimpeded view ahead when the windshield is folded down. The combination of these forward-thinking design choices made this Astura a standout in its time. As a 4th-Series Astura, this car also benefits from the renowned engineering prowess of Lancia. The Astura was celebrated for its smooth V8 engine and balanced handling, making it a favorite among luxury car enthusiasts in the 1930s. With its blend of avant-garde styling and sophisticated engineering, this Lancia Astura Cabriolet by Boneschi remains a rare and captivating piece of automotive history, representing the height of Italian coachbuilding from a golden era.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Limited
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- V8
- Displacement
- 2,973 cc
- Power (CV)
- 82 CV
- Engine speed
- 4,000 rpm
- Transmission
- Manual 4-speed
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
- Specification notes
- 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.
- Gearbox
- Manual 4-speed
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Power RPM
- 4000 rpm
03 / DESIGN, BODY & SUPPLIERS
Design, body & suppliers
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Boneschi
- 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.
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD
General chronology
Chronological history1 dated records
- Unassigned chassis · Auction
Bonhams · Sold · EUR 667,000
05 / VALUE
Value & price history
Auction & sale history
| Date | Venue | Chassis | Record | Status | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Feb 2013 | Bonhams | Model-level · chassis not verified | Sale price | Sold | EUR 667,000 |
Market observations describe documented transactions, estimates or offers. They are not themselves a current valuation of the vehicle.
06 / CHASSIS REGISTER
Chassis register
Chassis 41-3125
- Chassis number
- 41-3125
- Engine number
- 41-240
- Year
- 1938
08 / GALLERY
Photo gallery 6 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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