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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Lancia Astura Spider Speciale Gran Lusso

1938Coachwork by Pininfarina

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Manufacturer
Lancia
Base model
Astura
Coachbuilt version
Cabriolet Granlusso programme 1938–39; exact chassis histories split
Coachbuilder
Pininfarina
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
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The Lancia Astura Spider Speciale Gran Lusso stands as a breathtaking one-off masterpiece, embodying the pinnacle of pre-war automotive elegance and craftsmanship. Commissioned by Sigfrido Koelliker, a distinguished car dealer from Turin, this extraordinary vehicle was brought to life in 1937 through the collaboration of Pininfarina and the visionary designer Mario Revelli di Beaumont. As one of the finest expressions of Italian automotive artistry, this creation seamlessly blends luxury, performance, and exquisite design. From the moment it was unveiled at the 1937 Concours d’Elegance Villa Olmo, the Lancia Astura Spider Speciale Gran Lusso captivated onlookers with its unparalleled sophistication. This prestigious event, renowned for showcasing the world’s most refined automobiles, provided the perfect stage for the car’s grand debut. The vehicle’s exclusive nature and stunning aesthetics set it apart, earning admiration from enthusiasts and collectors alike. The design of the Astura Spider Speciale Gran Lusso is a true work of art, showcasing Pininfarina’s mastery of coachbuilding. Its sweeping lines, elongated proportions, and graceful curves reflect the height of Streamline Moderne, an artistic movement that emphasized aerodynamics and fluidity. The meticulously crafted bodywork exudes refinement, while intricate details highlight the exceptional level of workmanship involved in its construction. Beneath its elegant exterior, the Astura Spider Speciale Gran Lusso is powered by Lancia’s revered Astura V8 engine, an engineering marvel of its time. Known for its smooth performance and reliability, this engine was a hallmark of Lancia’s dedication to innovation. The car’s advanced chassis and suspension system further underscored the brand’s commitment to delivering a driving experience that was as refined as its aesthetics. More than just a car, the Lancia Astura Spider Speciale Gran Lusso represents a moment frozen in time—a symbol of an era when automotive design was an art form. It remains an enduring testament to the collaboration between visionary patrons, world-class designers, and master coachbuilders, solidifying its place in the annals of classic automotive history.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production type
Limited
Production notes
Legacy Spider Speciale Gran Lusso page mapped to the 1938–39 Pinin Farina Granlusso programme. Exact chassis histories remain split; legacy one-off/Units=1 removed. Any programme-level total belongs only to the parent when independently supported.

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
V8 a V stretto — donor/base Lancia Astura III/IV serie
Displacement
2,972 cc
Power (CV)
82 CV
Engine speed
4,000 rpm
Transmission
Manual 4-speed
Drive
Rear-wheel drive
Specification notes
DONOR_BASE_PROJECTION — base-model technical fields projected from BORSANI-LANCIA-ASTURA-TORPEDO-1938 because make/model/year match exactly. This does not assert that the coachbuilt/special vehicle retained identical tuning or performance. | 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

Designer · Candidate
Mario Revelli di Beaumont
Manufacturer · Documented
Lancia
Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Pininfarina

Body form & construction

Body style
Cabriolet

04 / EVENTS & CHRONOLOGY

Events & chronology

Coppa d'Oro Principessa di Piemonte – Villa Olmo General · legacy_preserved
Date
1937
Chassis
General

Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. No award inferred.

Villa Olmo General · From the historical archive
Date
1937
Chassis
General

CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD

General chronology

Chronological history2 dated records
  1. Unassigned chassis · Event

    Villa Olmo

09 / PERIOD ARCHIVE

Period photographs & advertising

THE CONVERSATION

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