THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1938
- Body style
- Torpedo
- Engine
- V8 a V stretto — donor/base Lancia Astura III/IV serie
- Type
- One-off
- Production
- 1
- Displacement
- 2,972 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 (1938) was coachbuilt by Borsani. The model was developed during a period when Lancia was focused on luxury automobiles that combined sophisticated engineering with artistic design. The Astura Cabriolet featured a unique coachbuilding process, characterized by its elegant proportions and streamlined aesthetics, which were typical of the late Art Deco style. The construction involved meticulous attention to detail, with a lightweight body that was both functional and visually appealing.
Mechanically, the Lancia Astura Cabriolet was powered by a V8 engine, providing a balance of performance and refinement that catered to the demands of its upscale clientele. The chassis was designed to accommodate advanced engineering features for its time, contributing to a smooth driving experience. Documentation indicates that the model showcased an innovative suspension system that enhanced ride quality and handling.
In production terms, the Lancia Astura Cabriolet was produced in a limited quantity, with only one unit documented, which underscores its exclusivity. Surviving examples are recorded in private collections and institutional archives, providing reference for researchers of postwar coachbuilding. The distinct collaboration between Lancia and Borsani exemplifies the synergy between automotive engineering and artistic craftsmanship that defined this era of luxury vehicles.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 1
- Production type
- One-off
- Body & configuration · Legacy attribution
- Torpedo
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_ONLY — Lancia historical material documents the Astura from the third series onward with a 2,972 cc narrow-angle V8 producing 82 CV. Applied only to the 1938 donor/base; the Borsani Torpedo body attribution remains independently researchable. | 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
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Lancia
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Borsani
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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