1933 Lancia Astura (second series) Drophead Coupe by Pinin Farina

Lancia introduced the Series One Astura at the Paris Motor Show in 1931 to replace the highly successful Lambda model. It was produced as a Series One, Two, Three and Four models until 1939. This is one of just 750 Series Two models made in total. They were all fitted with a new V8 engine of 2600cc producing 72bhp. This drop head coupé model is very rare, which is particularly relevant when one considers a saloon recently made £230,000 in auction!

The history file confirms that 1099 was the production number of this car, it then became chassis #30-2091 and engine number 1094, making it a "matching numbers' car. The original date of sale was 18th May 1933 when it was sent to Pinin Farina for its handmade, drop head coupé body conversion that it still carries to the present day. The car was supplied new to Baron De Gunzburg, a Russian national, who was living in Petersburg. It then remained in Holland and title passed to the Suiker brothers of Amsterdam (thought to be from the garage that belonged to the Baron) in 1956. The car was enjoyed by them until being sold to a Mr.Takken (of Vintage and Veteran cars in Haarlem), a noted Dutch dealer. Our vendor purchased the car from them in February 1968. Included in the sale were the original owner's manual, instruction book and a complete Lancia parts list that had been published in March 1932.

Our vendor then enjoyed the car for 2 years whilst searching for parts throughout Europe in order to fully restore the car. He tells us that major restoration work commenced in 1972 when the engine was rebuilt, including a fresh bore of the cylinders, new crankshaft bearings, timing and water pump chains (along with new water and oil pumps) and also all the valve mechanism was overhauled completely. Finally a new stainless steel exhaust pipes and mufflers were fitted.

Additionally, the suspension (including front oil shock absorbers and rear mechanical shock absorbers that are controlled by oil pressure), axles, clutch and the gearbox were all rebuilt and the car was also re-wired at this time. During 1978 the bodywork was stripped back and repainted and the interior completely re-trimmed with new leather and carpets. This work was done by Dutch specialists who benefitted from the guidance and help of the European Lancia cognoscenti of the day.

Subsequently the car has been regularly used on trips around most of Europe and has given the owner, a distinguished and noted major Lancia collector/enthusiast, a great deal of pleasure. Now ready for its next chapter, this historically significant and highly collectable Lancia is a fantastic opportunity in to pre-war vintage car ownership.