Vehicle Description
Introduced in 1939, the Lancia Ardea featured a 903cc, V4 power
plant with an alloy cylinder head and became the smallest
production V4 with all examples manufactured in righthand drive.
Undoubtedly the Ardea's most outstanding feature at the time of its
introduction was this jewel of an engine - inspired by the great
Vittorio Jano - producing 29 bhp at 4600 rpm, sufficient to enable
the little car to reach 108 kph. More importantly, it sipped
expensive petrol at the rate of 6-7 litres per 100 kms, compared to
10 litres for the Aprilia. Always a performer out of all proportion
to its size, the Ardea's V4 engine used a central chain-driven
overhead camshaft operating Lancia's patented valve system,
allowing hemispherical combustion chambers. Lighter and more nimble
than even the lauded Aprilia, the little car steered and handled
superbly. The noted motoring journalist Ronald �Steady' Barker,
said that even on a Monte-Carlo Rally retrospective, what the car
lacked in straight-line power it more than traded for outstanding
road holding.Imported from Italy three years ago, this charming car
was first registered to its first and only UK keeper in November
2014. With a UK V5 document, Italian log book from 2007 and an ACI
(Automobile Club of Italy) plaque on the rear parcel shelf, this
lovely second series Lancia Ardea boasts the split rear window,
centrally mounted roof seam and with pillarless doors, oozes charm.
Inside the dash is body coloured with a centrally mounted speedo
and a contrasting grey cloth interior. With its zingy V4 engine it
provides plenty of character and fun. This Ardea is presented in
very good order. To aid safety on today's roads, front and rear
indicators have been added, although the standard semaphore
indicators are located on the upper C-pillars. With a modest
estimate, it is difficult not to fall for the charms of this
delightful little Italian masterpiece. For sale by auction on
Saturday 23 September 2017 with Historics at Brooklands, Brooklands
Motor Racing Circuit, Weybridge, Surrey, Call 01753 639170
