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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Lancia Astura Cabriolet Boneschi

1938Coachwork by Boneschi

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Manufacturer
Lancia
Base model
Astura Cabriolet
Coachbuilt version
4/5 Posti
Coachbuilder
Boneschi
Production period
1938
Body style
Cabriolet

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
EUR 667,000 2013-02-07 · Bonhams
Price details & sale history ↗

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The Lancia Astura Cabriolet Boneschi is a remarkable example of pre-war automotive elegance and innovation. This particular car, chassis number ’41-3125′, is the only known survivor of three 4th-Series Asturas that were bodied in this unique style by Carrozzeria Boneschi, and was sold in 1938 by the Milanese Minetti dealer. Founded by Giovanni Boneschi shortly after World War I, the company had established close ties with Lancia, often creating custom coachwork for their high-end models. This Astura Cabriolet features stunning aerodynamic design elements that set it apart from more traditional cars of its era. The bodywork is sleek and flowing, emphasizing both luxury and speed. One of its most striking features is its avant-garde radiator grille, which adds a modern and bold touch to the car’s front end. Enhancing its aerodynamic silhouette further are the rear wheel spats, which cover the rear wheels, giving the car a streamlined appearance while reducing drag. In addition to its exterior flair, the Astura Cabriolet includes a fold-flat windscreen, which was an advanced and stylish feature at the time. This not only adds to the car’s sporty appeal but also allows for a different driving experience, offering an open and unimpeded view ahead when the windshield is folded down. The combination of these forward-thinking design choices made this Astura a standout in its time. As a 4th-Series Astura, this car also benefits from the renowned engineering prowess of Lancia. The Astura was celebrated for its smooth V8 engine and balanced handling, making it a favorite among luxury car enthusiasts in the 1930s. With its blend of avant-garde styling and sophisticated engineering, this Lancia Astura Cabriolet by Boneschi remains a rare and captivating piece of automotive history, representing the height of Italian coachbuilding from a golden era.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production type
Limited

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
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.
Gearbox
Manual 4-speed
Drivetrain
RWD
Power RPM
4000 rpm

03 / DESIGN, BODY & SUPPLIERS

Design, body & suppliers

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Boneschi
Manufacturer · Documented
Lancia

Body form & construction

Body style
Cabriolet

04 / EVENTS & CHRONOLOGY

Events & chronology

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

CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD

General chronology

Chronological history1 dated records
  1. Unassigned chassis · Auction

    Bonhams · Sold · EUR 667,000

05 / VALUE

Value & price history

Auction & sale history

Date Venue Chassis Record Status Amount
7 Feb 2013 Bonhams Model-level · chassis not verified Sale price Sold EUR 667,000

Market observations describe documented transactions, estimates or offers. They are not themselves a current valuation of the vehicle.

06 / CHASSIS REGISTER

Chassis register

Chassis 41-3125
Chassis number
41-3125
Engine number
41-240
Year
1938

09 / PERIOD ARCHIVE

Period photographs & advertising

THE CONVERSATION

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