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/
