Lancia Aprilia 2nd series 1.5L

Lancia Aprilia II-nd series 1.5 litre 1939 RHD. I have always been in love with the streamlined elegance and the very advanced technological concept of the Lancia Aprilia. Furthermore it was the last Lancia on which the concept and design were supervised by Vincenzo Lancia himself. The aim was to develop a for those years very modern car providing seating for 5, efficient aerodynamics, compact dimensions and unitary construction. From the mechanical point of view, the innovation consisted in the design of a narrow V4 engine with hemispherical combustion chambers and cross-flow inlet and exhaust gasflow circulation with a light alloy cast block and cast iron for the complex cylinderhead. Furthermore full independent suspension was installed. At the front, the famous sliding pillar suspension, at the rear, a sphosticated trailing arm suspension. As Vincenzo Lancia declared after the initial test drive: "What a fantastic car!" This prewar II-nd series Aprilia benefits from the bigger 1.486 cc engine, providing more torque, and the 'lusso' specification as standard equipment. Extra is the upgrade of the dashboard with period amber coloured switchgear and a special steering wheel in the same style. Another upgrade, this time mechanical, is the period installation of a performance kit consisting of a twin carburettor set-up by Nardi. Sold new in Portugal this II-nd series Aprilia benefitted her whole life from a warm and dry climate. Completely restored in the recent years all areas look very neat and clean with perfect panel fit and surprisingly attractive presentation in her purple silver metallic paint finish.