THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1938
- Body style
- Cabriolet
- Engine
- V4
- Type
- One-off
- Production
- 1
- Displacement
- 1,352 cc
- Power
- 47 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, known as the Trasformabile, was a bespoke creation crafted by Carrozzeria Touring during World War II for a wealthy client from Bologna. This exceptional vehicle stands out not only for its luxurious features but also for its unique place in automotive history. The Trasformabile Cabriolet was designed to offer both elegance and practicality, embodying the sophisticated style for which Touring was renowned. The vehicle’s design is notable for its sleek, flowing lines and convertible top, which allowed the owner to enjoy open-air driving. The Cabriolet’s craftsmanship reflects Touring’s reputation for producing lightweight, aerodynamic bodies, even during the challenging war years. Interestingly, the Trasformabile Cabriolet shares stylistic elements with other Touring bodies of the era, particularly those built on Fiat chassis. These similarities can be attributed to Touring’s design philosophy during the wartime period, which emphasized streamlined forms and functional elegance. The design language of these cars often featured smooth, continuous lines and minimalist detailing, creating a timeless aesthetic that has continued to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts. The Aprilia Cabriolet’s construction during WWII is a testament to both the resilience of the Italian automotive industry and the enduring allure of luxury automobiles. Despite the challenging economic conditions and material shortages of the time, Carrozzeria Touring managed to produce a vehicle that combined both style and substance. The Lancia Aprilia Trasformabile Cabriolet remains a cherished example of wartime craftsmanship, representing a harmonious blend of functionality and elegance. Its design reflects the ingenuity and artistic vision of Carrozzeria Touring, while its rarity and historical context make it a standout among classic automobiles. The similarities with Touring’s other wartime Fiat-bodied creations highlight a consistent design ethos that continues to captivate car enthusiasts today.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 1
- Production type
- One-off
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
- 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.
Design & manufacture
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Lancia
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Touring
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 4 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Lancia Motor Club — Lancia Aprilia lanciamc.co.uk | Marque club technical history |











THE CONVERSATION
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