Lancia Astura Double Phaeton Grand Sport

The Lancia Astura Double Phaeton Grand Sport Castagna. At the unveiling of the Astura, Lancia showcased a portfolio featuring luxury car bodywork projects designed for the new chassis. Among them, a notable and elegantly crafted piece stood out – the “Torpedo Sport,” signed by Mario Revelli De Beaumont and presented as Viotti’s creation. Viotti, tasked with adapting the design to the 230 chassis with a 3,177 mm wheelbase, had to alter the proportions accordingly. However, Castagna, renowned for their skilled craftsmanship, took on the challenge Viotti hesitated to pursue. They obtained a special chassis with a lowered wheelbase of 3,400 mm, harmonizing seamlessly with Revelli’s original design. The resulting car, equipped with the latest enhancements offered by Lancia in 1933, made its mark at the 5th 5° Concorso di eleganza at Villa Olmo in September of the same year. H.R.H. La Principessa di Piemonte presided over the Concorso, where the car, personally driven by Mr. Castagna, earned the prestigious Coppa d’Oro (First Prize). This success extended across the Atlantic to the U.S.A., facilitated by Castagna’s impressive Show Room in New York, jointly managed with Isotta Motors, under the guidance of engineer Veniero D’Annunzio, son of the renowned Italian poet. In a unique historical feat, this Lancia Astura stands as the only car in the world to clinch the Coppa D’Oro Villa Este twice – first in 1933 and then again in 2004. This extraordinary achievement attests to the enduring elegance and timeless allure of this exceptional automobile.