Lancia Astura Cabriolet Pininfarina

The Lancia Astura Cabriolet, chassis number 41-3313, is a four-door convertible sedan bodied by Carrozzeria Pininfarina in 1938 on the fourth series Astura chassis. It represents one of the most refined examples of pre-war Italian formal automobiles and is believed to have been used for high-level government representation. Though sources suggest possible personal use by Benito Mussolini, definitive documentation remains inconclusive. Nonetheless, the vehicle has been certified by both ASI (Automotoclub Storico Italiano) and RSL (Registro Storico Lancia). Chassis 41-3313 is powered by the 2,972 cc narrow-angle Lancia V8 engine introduced with the fourth series Astura. This unit, with a Zenith 30 DVI dual-barrel carburetor, produces approximately 82 horsepower. Power is transmitted through a four-speed manual gearbox, enabling the vehicle to reach a top speed of 130 km/h. The mechanical layout includes front independent sliding-pillar suspension, a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. The car is fitted with instrumentation supplied by Veglia. The coachwork by Pininfarina adopts the convertible sedan (cabriolet de ville) configuration, with four full-size doors, a folding fabric roof, and a spacious, formal cabin. The design displays strong American stylistic influence in its treatment of the grille and front end, as was common in the late 1930s. The two-tone exterior emphasizes the vehicle’s length and ceremonial presence, while the lines remain restrained and proportionally balanced. Giovan Battista Farina’s interpretation shows awareness of American streamlined forms, without abandoning Italian formal elegance. This specific car was acquired by Bernie Ecclestone in 1995 from a private collector in Italy. At the time of purchase, it had already been registered with a modern Italian plate (MIOF0874). Later, it was presented at international events and exhibitions. While Pininfarina executed multiple bodies on the Astura IV chassis, this example is a one-off. Total production of the fourth series Astura chassis reached 423 units. Chassis 41-3313 remains among the best-preserved formal cabriolets of its type, combining advanced Lancia engineering with early Pininfarina coachwork shaped by transatlantic design influence.