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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet Borsani

1948Coachwork by Borsani

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1948
Body style
Cabriolet
Engine
V4 a V stretto — donor/base Lancia Aprilia II serie
Type
One-off
Production
1
Displacement
1,486 cc
Power
48 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 Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet (1948) was coachbuilt by Borsani. The development of the Aprilia Cabriolet was part of Lancia’s efforts to produce versatile and stylish automobiles in the post-World War II era, reflecting the growing demand for personal luxury vehicles. The design and coachbuilding process involved close collaboration between Lancia’s engineers and the artisans at Borsani, emphasizing proportions that combined elegance with functionality. The bodywork was constructed using traditional methods, with attention to detail that characterized the craftsmanship of Italian coachbuilders during this period.

Mechanically, the Aprilia Cabriolet was based on the Lancia Aprilia chassis, which featured advanced engineering for its time, including a unitary body structure that enhanced rigidity and reduced weight. The vehicle was powered by an inline-four engine, providing a balance of performance and efficiency suitable for both urban and rural driving conditions. The suspension system was designed for improved handling, contributing to a smooth ride quality that appealed to discerning customers.

Production of the Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet was limited to a single unit, underscoring its exclusivity and the bespoke nature of its construction. Documentation indicates that this unique model was exhibited in various automotive events, showcasing the craftsmanship of Borsani and the innovative engineering of Lancia. Surviving examples are recorded in private collections and institutional archives, providing reference for researchers of postwar coachbuilding. The Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet Borsani remains a significant artifact in the study of automotive design and luxury vehicle production.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production
1
Production type
One-off

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
V4 a V stretto — donor/base Lancia Aprilia II serie
Displacement
1,486 cc
Power (CV)
48 CV
Engine speed
4,300 rpm
Transmission
Manual 4-speed
Drive
Rear-wheel drive
Specification notes
DONOR_BASE_ONLY — FCA/Stellantis Heritage documents the Aprilia second series with a 1,486 cc narrow-angle V4. Applied only to the 1948 donor/base; the Borsani Cabriolet body identity remains independently researchable. | Source-backed donor/model-level baseline for Lancia Aprilia second series (1940–1949 in this projection): narrow-angle V4, 1486 cc, 48 CV at 4300 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
Borsani

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

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
MAUTO — Storia, tecnica e stile Lancia Aprilia www.museoauto.com Museum technical history

THE CONVERSATION

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