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LANCIA Aprilia 1937-1939 Photos, engines & full specs

Segment: Compact
Production years: 1937, 1938, 1939

LANCIA Aprilia 1937-1939 13 Photos
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Lancia Aprilia was the last brainchild of Vincenzo Lancia, the company's founder, but unfortunately, he never got to see the production model.

The Italian automaker unveiled the Lancia Aprilia at the 1936 Paris Motor Show, and Vincenzo Lancia had high hopes for the revolutionary car. Yet, he passed away in February 1937 after a heart attack, and he never saw its creation blooming on the market. Nevertheless, the Aprilia enjoyed great success since the first series was produced between 1937 and 1939 and sold 10,354 units. Then, WWII started. Production was resumed after the war. But that was a different Europe.

When the company founder trusted Battista Falchetto to pen the car, the idea was to create a streamlined vehicle. And that's what he did. The Aprilia sported a narrow front end with a V-shaped radiator grille flanked by curved lower fenders. From its sides, the car boasted a unique rear end curved and sloped down to the back, and the result was an astonishing, for those times, 0.47 Cx coefficient. In addition, the fridge-like doors, when opened, left a free entry space with no B-pillar between the A- and C-pillars.

Inside, the geometric design featured squared dials placed in front of the driver, which was unusual for a 1937 car when many other automakers still mounted them in the dashboard's center. The car was available in Standard or Luxury trim levels, and the latter boasted leather-wrapped seats and door cards. In addition, the automaker considered mounting door pockets.

Under the streamlined hood, Lancia installed a narrow V4 engine that produced a mere 46 HP (47 PS). Moreover, the independent suspension and the low car's weight and center of gravity made it a sports sedan in an era when this term was not even invented.

LANCIA Aprilia 1937, 1938, 1939
  2 gasoline engines
  • 1.4L V4 4MT (47 HP)
  • 1.5L V4 4MT (48 HP)

LANCIA Aprilia
1.4L V4 4MT (47 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.4L V4 4MT (47 HP)
Cylinders:V4
Displacement:1352 cm3
Power:34 KW @ 4000 RPM
47 HP @ 4000 RPM
46 BHP @ 4000 RPM
Torque:70 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM
95 Nm @ 2000 RPM
Fuel System:Carburetor
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:78 mph (126 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):27 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Drums
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:165 - 400
DIMENSIONS
Length:156 in (3962 mm)
Width:58 in (1473 mm)
Height:60.2 in (1529 mm)
Front/rear Track:50/50 in (1,270/1,270 mm)
Wheelbase:108.3 in (2751 mm)
Ground Clearance:7.5 in (191 mm)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.47
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:1940 lbs (880 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:23.5 mpg US (10 L/100Km)

LANCIA Aprilia
1.5L V4 4MT (48 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.5L V4 4MT (48 HP)
Cylinders:V4
Displacement:1486 cm3
Power:35.3 KW @ 4300 RPM
48 HP @ 4300 RPM
47 BHP @ 4300 RPM
Torque:74 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM
100 Nm @ 2000 RPM
Fuel System:Carburetor
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:80 mph (129 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):25 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Drums
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:165 - 400
DIMENSIONS
Length:156 in (3962 mm)
Width:58 in (1473 mm)
Height:60.2 in (1529 mm)
Front/rear Track:50/50 in (1,270/1,270 mm)
Wheelbase:108.3 in (2751 mm)
Ground Clearance:7.5 in (191 mm)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.47
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:1984 lbs (900 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:23.5 mpg US (10 L/100Km)
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