From its inception, Lancia has been distinguished by technical innovation. The marque’s pioneering Lambda, with its monocoque construction, sliding-pillar suspension, and narrow OHC V-4 motor epitomized the culture and thought processes within this unique company. Today, these distinctive automobiles continue to attract collectors with a discerning appreciation for engineering, design, and Lancia’s singular approach to both.
\nThe Aprilia was a typically Italian and Lancia product in concept. Introduced in 1937, it presented a compact berlinetta, powered by a smaller descendant of the Lambda powerplant: a high-revving 1,352 cc V-4 (increased to 1,486 cc in 1939), with independent front and rear suspension and monocoque pillarless bodywork. In all, 27,000 Aprilias were delivered, with a notable number remaining today and benefiting from a strong community of owners and enthusiasts.
\nThis particular Lancia Aprilia was the brainchild of Luigi Beretta, the Lancia concessionaire from Lecco, Italy, who commissioned an open sports two-seater with the intention of competing in the myriad road touring events in Italy at the time. Confident in the reliable and sporting underpinnings of the model, Beretta enlisted Riva – a coachbuilder in the nearby town of Merate – to fashion a distinctive, all-aluminum, aerodynamic barchetta body. In addition, Beretta commissioned master engine builder Luigi Pagani of Milan to rework the engine, fitting Pagani’s proprietary new cylinder head with crossflow porting, to which two Weber carburetors replaced the original single Zenith set up. With an increased compression ratio, the horsepower was almost doubled from 48 to 90 hp. Combined with its reduced weight from the smaller, aluminum bodywork, the package made for a lively sports touring car, which Beretta campaigned in a series of events in the late 1940s.
\nIn 1983, a total restoration to the original specifications was commissioned by legendary restorer Giancarlo Cappa of KCA in Cassina de Pecchi. Following the restoration, the car completed the 1000 Miglia in 1989. Beretta’s Riva Barchetta remained in Italy until 2006, when it was imported to the US. The current owner had been seeking a car fit to compete in road tours, particularly the 1000 Miglia, and was immediately captivated by this example’s individuality, story, and aesthetics. In the hands of this passionate enthusiast owner, the car has been well maintained and thoughtfully refreshed, always to a high standard, including fresh paint and trim, wire-wheel rebuilds, and a complete motor rebuild by Lancia expert Santo Spadaro of White Plains, New York.
\nOver the course of the last 20 years, the car has been toured considerably, including runs at the 2007 Colorado Grand, acceptance in the 1000 Miglia in 2008, and tours in Sicily and the Veneto. This car has also been presented in numerous shows, including the Greenwich, Fairfield County, Saratoga, Scarsdale, and Lime Rock Concours d’Elegances, and received a variety of awards, including at Pebble Beach in 2008. Consistently drawing interest wherever it goes, this Lancia also appeared in a feature article by Hemmings, and received coverage in La “Sport,” 1937–1965 by Andrea Curami and Piero Vergnano, and Autofilia by Giancarlo Cappa.
\nBeautifully rendered by Riva, and tastefully presented in soft white with a terracotta leather interior, this sporting two-seater is an eminently usable and proven tour car, with potential eligibility for the 1000 Miglia (subject to Registro acceptance), and presents an enticing opportunity for its next custodian to continue its adventures.
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