1949 Lancia Aprilia Pillarless Saloon, Second Series (Tipo 438)

43829091roadItaly

Engine: 1.5L V4 with hemispherical combustion chambers, period Nardi twin-Solex carburetor conversion
Colour: Lancia blue

The 1949 Lancia Aprilia Pillarless Saloon (chassis 43829091) is a late Second Series (Tipo 438) example retaining a remarkable degree of originality, including period interior fittings, original coachwork, and a rare Nardi twin Solex carburettor conversion that meaningfully enhances engine output. Delivered new to a private owner as a 21st birthday gift, the car remained with her until her death, after which it entered a notable private collection. It has since been mechanically overhauled and repainted in factory Lancia blue.

Ownership

2021-10-10Auction sale
Estimate €100,000 – €120,000
Bonhams catalogue lot →
1949 →Private sale
Lady first owner (Italian, Turin)
partial documentation
Received the car as a gift marking her 21st birthday; retained it throughout her life until her passing.
Date unknownInheritance
Heirs of the lady first owner
partial documentation
After the original owner died, her heirs placed the car into storage in Turin.
Date unknownPrivate sale
Anthony MacLean
partial documentation
Acquired the car following a tip-off from a Lancia family contact; commissioned a full mechanical overhaul and had it repainted in the original factory colour with period-correct wool upholstery.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

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Bodywork
Exterior repainted in the car's original Lancia blue shade; interior retrimmed with grey Lancia wool cloth upholstery matching the original specification.
Carried out during Anthony MacLean's ownership after acquisition.
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Mechanical
Comprehensive mechanical overhaul carried out throughout the vehicle by an experienced retired Fiat mechanic who also maintained the historic Edwardian racing car known as Mephistopheles.
Commissioned by Anthony MacLean following acquisition.

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