1938 Lancia Astura Fourth Series Cabriolet LWB
- Engine
- 3.0L SOHC V8 with aluminum crankcase
- Colour
- Mid-green, lighter shade above the molding line
A rare fourth-series Lancia Astura cabriolet in right-hand drive, bodied by Pinin Farina and originally delivered in 1938 to the Italian ambassador in London. The car subsequently passed to Australia, where a three-decade ground-up restoration was completed circa 2002, covering the engine, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, bodywork, and interior. Since completion it has covered around 12,000 miles and participated in Australian historic rallying.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$300,000 – US$400,000
- 1938 →Factory deliveryItalian Ambassador to the United Kingdompartial documentation
Vehicle was purchased new in 1938 and dispatched to London for the ambassador's official use.
- → 1971InheritancePeter McAdam's nephewpartial documentation
Received the car upon McAdam's death and subsequently sold it in 1971.
- 1971 →Private saleMelbourne-based Lancia enthusiastpartial documentation
Dissatisfied with prior restoration work done in England, undertook a comprehensive ground-up rebuild beginning in 1972; the project spanned roughly three decades.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownPeter McAdampartial documentation
Acquired the car while in the UK; relocated to Toowoomba, Queensland in the late 1960s and brought the vehicle with him. Died shortly after the move.
Competition
- 2015Australian Lancia Register RallyAustralian Lancia Register Rally at Castlemaine
The car participated in this rally as part of post-restoration driving activity, accumulating some of its roughly 12,000 post-restoration miles.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1972Restoration
A comprehensive ground-up restoration was commenced by the Melbourne owner, spanning approximately 30 years. Work encompassed a full rebuild of the 3.0-litre SOHC V8 engine and aluminium crankcase, the drivetrain, suspension, brakes, and electrical systems, with components repaired, refurbished, or replaced as appropriate.
Estimated completion circa 2002 based on the stated 30-year duration.
- 1972Bodywork
Cabriolet coachwork was refurbished as part of the broader restoration: repaint in mid-green with a lighter shade above the moulding line, re-chroming of the radiator grille and louvre mouldings, polishing of all window glass, fitment of period-correct tyres and wheels, and replacement of the convertible hood in black.
Carried out concurrently with the mechanical restoration; period-authentic appearance was a stated priority.
- 1972Maintenance
The passenger cabin was fully refurbished: seats rebuilt and retrimmed in beige leather, woodwork and carpeting renewed, and original Jaeger instruments retained and presented in chromed Art Deco escutcheon plates.
Interior work formed part of the same multi-decade restoration project.
- —Restoration
A partial restoration was carried out while the car was in England, prior to its sale in 1971. The subsequent owner considered this work unsatisfactory.
Nature and scope of the English restoration are not detailed in the catalogue.
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