THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1936
- Body style
- Cabriolet
- Engine
- V8
- Type
- One-off
- Production
- 1
- Displacement
- 2,973 cc
- Power
- 82 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 Astura Cabriolet Boneschi was a standout piece at the 1936 Milano Motor Show, capturing the attention of automotive enthusiasts and the public alike. Showcased alongside the Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet, Lancia Astura Sedan, and Fiat 1500 Cabriolet, this unique vehicle exemplified the height of Italian craftsmanship and design sophistication. The Lancia Astura itself was already an exceptional model, known for its engineering excellence and luxurious appeal. However, the Cabriolet version designed by Boneschi, a renowned Milanese coachbuilder, took this elegance to another level. Boneschi was known for its innovative and often avant-garde designs, and this collaboration with Lancia was no exception. The car featured a sleek and refined body, characterized by flowing lines and an understated yet opulent presence, which distinguished it from other vehicles of the time. At the Milano Motor Show, the Lancia Astura Cabriolet Boneschi was exhibited among other high-profile vehicles, including the Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet, another striking example of Lancia’s innovation. The Aprilia model was known for its advanced aerodynamics and was a precursor to the modern unibody construction, making it a significant model in the history of automotive design. The Lancia Astura Sedan, on the other hand, highlighted Lancia’s commitment to luxury and performance, with a design that appealed to those seeking both comfort and style in a four-door configuration. Complementing these Lancia models was the Fiat 1500 Cabriolet, a more accessible option that still managed to embody the Italian flair for design and engineering. While it didn’t have the same high-end appeal as the Lancia models, it represented Fiat’s efforts to bring style and modernity to a broader audience. The 1936 Milano Motor Show was thus a showcase of Italian automotive excellence, with the Lancia Astura Cabriolet Boneschi serving as a testament to the artistry and innovation that characterized this golden age of coachbuilding and automotive design. It remains a celebrated example of what happens when engineering and aesthetics come together in perfect harmony.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 1
- Production type
- One-off
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- V8
- Displacement
- 2,973 cc
- Power (CV)
- 82 CV
- Engine speed
- 4,000 rpm
- Transmission
- Manual 4-speed
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
- Specification notes
- Confidence detail moved from confidence: high model/event; exact chassis deliberately open | Source-backed donor/model-level baseline for Lancia Astura Series III–IV: narrow-angle V8, 2973 cc, 82 CV at 4000 rpm, 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive. Coachbuilt-body dimensions, weight and maximum speed are intentionally not inherited.
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Boneschi
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Lancia
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 1 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 |
|---|---|
| Museo Nicolis — Lancia Astura Berlina Gran Sport III Serie www.museonicolis.com | Museum vehicle history |











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