Vehicle Description
The Lancia Astura stands as one of the most refined and
technologically advanced automobiles of the pre-war era, a
testament to the marque's relentless pursuit of innovation,
engineering excellence, and craftsmanship. Introduced in 1931, the
Astura continued Lancia's tradition of cutting-edge design,
featuring a sophisticated narrow-angle V-8 engine and independent
front suspension with self-lubricating sliding pillars-an advanced
system that provided a remarkably smooth and controlled ride. The
third-series Astura debuted in 1933 with an enlarged 2.9-liter
engine producing 82 horsepower, delivering improved torque and
refinement over earlier models. Top speed was more than 80 mph,
with handling, roadholding, and brakes to match. For the first
time, the Astura was offered in two wheelbase lengths: the
long-wheelbase Tipo 233L (131 inches) and the shorter, more
sporting Tipo 233C (122 inches), with 908 and 328 examples built,
respectively. While the Astura's engineering was state-of-the-art,
many left the factory wearing relatively conservative coachwork.
Those seeking something more distinctive turned to Italy's finest
coachbuilders, with Carrozzeria Pinin Farina emerging as the
undisputed master of crafting striking, bespoke bodies for the
Astura's advanced underpinnings. One of the most celebrated designs
to grace the Astura chassis was the 'Tipo Bocca' cabriolet, named
for Vittorio Bocca, a prominent Lancia dealer in northern Italy who
commissioned six such examples, three on the long-wheelbase chassis
and three on the short-chassis. Designed by the highly regarded
stylist Mario Revelli di Beaumont, the Bocca cabriolets were among
the most advanced and luxurious open cars of their time. Their
streamlined proportions emphasized horizontal lines, lending an
unmistakable presence that was both elegant and sporting. The
dramatic "waterfall" grille, delicate chrome detailing, and a
fold-flat windscreen provided a modern aesthetic, while a
power-operated convertible top-an extremely rare feature in the
1930s-further elevated the design's technical sophistication.
According to the Lancia Classiche Certificate of Origin, chassis
number 33-5301 was completed on June 30, 1936, and delivered as a
bare chassis to Pinin Farina. There, it was clothed in its
exquisite 'Tipo Bocca' cabriolet bodywork, a masterpiece of pre-war
Italian coachbuilding. While each Bocca cabriolet featured unique
details, this example retains defining characteristics such as its
elegantly curved side windows, chrome side molding that visually
lengthens the body, and finely detailed bonnet-side vents. Research
conducted by respected Lancia historian Wim Oude Weernink suggests
that this exampleis unique among the six Bocca-bodied Asturas, as
it was never road-registered but was instead displayed at the 1937
Berlin Motor Show. A period Pinin Farina advertisement in Motor
Italia indicates that the car originally featured a striking
two-tone exterior, adding to its presence on the show stand.
Further supporting its early German history, the Lancia retains a
dashboard-mounted Telefunken radio-an unusual feature that aligns
with a 1970's article in the American Lancia Club journal, which
claimed the car had been originally delivered and fitted with a
radio by German Lancia dealer E. Uebel in 1937. While its original
engine is no longer present, the car is equipped with a correct
replacement 2.9-liter Lancia Astura Series IV V-8, maintaining its
authenticity and mechanical integrity. By the late 1950s, the
Astura had made its way to the United States, where period
photographs document its presence in New York. Though it appeared
largely complete at the time, the car's condition continued to
decline over the following decades. In 1982, salvation arrived when
a Swiss collector with a deep appreciation for Lancia's engineering
and design rescued chassis 33-5301 from neglect. He embarked on an
exhaustive, multi-decade restoration that would ultimately span
nearly 40 years, utilizing some of Switzerland's finest craftsmen
to return the car to its original grandeur. During this process,
the Pinin Farina bodywork was carefully restored and finished in a
refined anthracite metallic, a color that perfectly complements its
striking form. Inside, the intricate intrecciato pattern
basket-weave upholstery was faithfully recreated in rich oxblood
leather, a distinctive and period-correct detail that was visible
in historic photographs of the car. Today, this Lancia Astura Bocca
cabriolet stands as an extraordinary example of pre-war Italian
design, engineering, and craftsmanship. It joins an elite group of
surviving Bocca-bodied Asturas, one of which was awarded Best of
Show at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance� in 2016,
the only Lancia ever to receive that honor. This underscores not
only the model's significance but also the esteem in which the
Astura is held among collectors and historians. Under the care of
its most recent custodian, a dedicated Lancista, this Astura has
received extensive post-restoration fine-tuning by renowned
specialists at Jonathan Wood Restorations, including an overhaul of
the front suspension, brakes, and instrumentation. The car remains
in exceptional condition, retaining its proper Marchal lighting,
period-correct trim, and a host of exquisitely detailedcomponents
that reflect its meticulous restoration. This exceptional Lancia
presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most celebrated
pre-war automobiles ever produced. With its breathtaking Pinin
Farina styling, advanced engineering, and unparalleled provenance,
it is poised to be a highlight at the world's foremost concours
events. As a true confluence of technical innovation and aesthetic
brilliance, this Astura Bocca cabriolet represents the pinnacle of
Lancia's golden era and remains an enduring symbol of elegance and
exclusivity. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7837-1936-lancia-astura-cabriolet/
