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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet Touring

1938Coachwork by Touring

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.

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
Lancia Motor Club — Lancia Aprilia lanciamc.co.uk Marque club technical history

THE CONVERSATION

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