THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Manufacturer
- Lancia
- Base model
- Aprilia Cabriolet
- Coachbuilt version
- 1937–38 Pinin Farina Cabriolet programme/family umbrella; prototype/short-series pages not separate physical cars
- Coachbuilder
- Pininfarina
- Production period
- 1937
- Body style
- Cabriolet
- Engine
- V4
- Type
- Prototype
- Production
- 1
- Displacement
- 1,352 cc
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 Aprilia Cabriolet prototype, crafted by Pininfarina, was designed as part of a short series that represented a more streamlined and functional version of the luxury vehicles that Pininfarina was known for. While it shared some design elements with the Lancia Astura Bocca series, also built by Pininfarina, the Aprilia Cabriolet prototype was distinguished by the absence of the luxury details that characterized the Astura Bocca models. The Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet prototype retained the elegant lines and refined proportions that were synonymous with Pininfarina’s craftsmanship, but it was built with a more pragmatic approach. This model focused on simplicity and practicality rather than the opulence and intricate details often seen in higher-end creations. As a result, it featured a cleaner design, making it a more accessible version of the luxury cabriolet while still showcasing the unmistakable Italian flair and stylish elegance that Pininfarina was famous for. While the luxury details were scaled back, the prototype still incorporated elements of Pininfarina’s distinctive design language, such as its sleek bodywork and elegant proportions. The cabriolet featured the same advanced engineering that Lancia was known for, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. Although produced in a small quantity, the 1938 Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet prototype remains a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Pininfarina’s design philosophy, combining functional elegance with the timeless appeal of pre-war Italian automotive craftsmanship.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 1
- Production type
- Prototype
- Production notes
- Legacy prototype-for-short-series page is non-additive within the documented 1937–38 Pinin Farina Aprilia Cabriolet programme. Numeric Units=1 cleared; no separate physical car created.
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- V4
- Displacement
- 1,352 cc
- Power (CV)
- 47 CV
- Engine speed
- 4,000 rpm
- Transmission
- Manual 4-speed
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
- Specification notes
- Confidence detail moved from confidence: very_high_programme_body | Source-backed donor/model-level baseline for Lancia Aprilia first series (1937–1938 in this projection): narrow-angle V4, 1352 cc, 47 CV at 4000 rpm, 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive. Coachbuilt-body dimensions, weight and maximum speed are intentionally not inherited.
03 / DESIGN, BODY & SUPPLIERS
Design, body & suppliers
Design & manufacture
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Lancia
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Pininfarina
Body form & construction
- Body style
- Cabriolet
04 / EVENTS & CHRONOLOGY
Events & awards
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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