"CLASSIC OF THE DAY"
1933 LANCIA ASTURA 2nd SERIES DROPHEAD COUPE
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Pinin Farina Chassis no. 30-2091 Engine no. 1094
€120,000 - 140,000
£94,000 - 110,000
Having established itself in the front rank of the world's finest cars
with the Dilambda, Lancia further enhanced its exalted position with a
succession of fabulous coachbuilt models on the Astura chassis in the
1930s.
One of the most gifted automobile engineers of all time, Vincenzo
Lancia founded his own company in 1906, having previously been in FIAT's
employ as chief test driver. Introduced in 1907, the first Lancia car
showed an independence of thought and defiance of convention that would
remain associated with the marque well into the modern era.
The introduction of the Astura and Artena in 1931 marked a switch
from a system of model designation that used letters of the Greek
alphabet in favour of one using Italian place names, a move in keeping
with the nationalistic spirit of the age. One of Lancia's most important
models, the Astura was powered by a new version of the company's
familiar narrow-angle V8, first seen in 1922. The latter was enlarged
from 2.6 to 3.0 litres on the Astura Series III in 1934 when the model
also gained hydraulic brakes and became available in both short- and
long-chassis forms. The Series IV featured a platform chassis of longer
wheelbase, attracting some of the finest coachwork of the period, and
was used extensively as official transportation by Italian government
departments.
Featuring elegant drophead coupé coachwork by the newly established
Carrozzeria Pinin Farina, this Astura is one of only 750 2nd Series
models produced. Production number '1099' became chassis number
'30-2091' and was allocated engine number '1094', making this a
'matching numbers' car, which still carries its original Pinin Farina
body.
The history file indicates that the Astura was supplied new in May
1933 to Baron De Gunzburg, resident in Amsterdam. The car remained in
Holland and in 1956 the title passed to the Suiker Brothers' garage.
Records suggest the third owner of the car was a Mr Takken of 'vintage
and veteran cars' in Harlem, a noted dealer. In February 1968 the car
was rediscovered and purchased directly from Mr Takken. It was then used
to tour Europe in search of original parts required for total
restoration.
The rebuild commenced in 1972 with a full engine overhaul including
crankshaft bearings and timing and water pump chains. Additionally, the
suspension benefited from a complete rebuild front and rear, while at
the same time the clutch and gearbox were overhauled and the electrics
completely rewired. A stainless steel exhaust was fitted, including
mufflers. In 1978, Dutch specialists under the guidance or European
Lancia cognoscenti carried out a full restoration of the exterior and
interior, which still presents beautifully. Since completion the Astura
has been enjoyed and used regularly by the current owner, a
distinguished and noted Lancia collector. The history file contains the
original owner's manual and instruction book, complete with parts list
published by Lancia in March 1932.
A matching numbers car retaining its original Pinin Farina body,
this lovely Astura represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an
exciting and useable example of this rare post-Vintage Lancia.
Source: BONHAMS AUCTIONEERS
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