Lancia Astura
The Lancia Astura is a passenger car produced by Italian automobile manufacturer Lancia between 1931 and 1939. Lancia replaced the Lambda model with two models: the four-cylinder Artena and the larger, V8-powered Astura. Both of these models were introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1931. The Astura chassis was used by various coachbuilders to create coupes, convertibles and sedans.
| Lancia Astura | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Lancia |
| Production | 1931-1939 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Lancia Artena |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2606 cc V8 2973 cc V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 318 cm (125.2 in) (S.1-S.2) 310 cm (122.0 in) (S.3) 333 cm (131.1 in) (S.3) 348 cm (137.0 in) (S.4) |
| Curb weight | 1,250 kg (2,756 lb)-1,750 kg (3,858 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Lancia Dilambda |
The Astura evolved over four series:
- First series, built between 1931 and 1932 with 496 units made.
- Second series, built between 1932 and 1933 with 750 units made. The engine mountings were modified for this generation to reduce noise and vibration.
- Third series, built between 1933 and 1937 with 1,243 units made. The third-generation Astura was offered in short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase variants, and was powered by a new, larger engine.
- Fourth series, built between 1937 and 1939 with 423 units made. Only offered in long-wheelbase.
Engines
First- and second-generation Asturas are powered by a 72 hp 2.6-liter 19° V8 engine, while third- and fourth-generation models are powered by a 3.0-liter 17° V8 capable of 82 hp.
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Fuel Delivery System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S.1-S.2 | V8 SOHC | 2606 cc | 72 hp (54 kW) | single carburetor |
| S.3-S.4 | V8 SOHC | 2973 cc | 82 hp (61 kW) | single carburetor |
Awards
At the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, a 1936 Astura Pinin Farina Cabriolet once owned by Eric Clapton won both the Best of Show award and the Gwenn Graham Most Elegant Convertible award.[1] A Lancia Astura Serie IV also won the Trofeo BMW Group Italia, held by public referendum, at the 2019 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este event.[2]
- 1932 Lancia Astura 1st Series Volante
- 1933 Lancia Astura Phaeton
- 1938 Lancia Astura Sports Coupé Pourtout
- 1935 Lancia Astura 233C Aerodynamica
- 1936 Lancia Astura 3rd Series Cabriolet
- 1936 Lancia Astura 3rd Series Tipo 233C
- Lancia Astura Series II, Carrozzeria Castagna
- Lancia Astura Series II from Castagna, rear
- 1938 Lancia Astura 4th Series Cabriolet Coachwork by Carrozzeria Boneschi
References
- David Gluckman. "Pebble Beach Best of Show: 1936 Lancia Astura Pinin Farina Cabriolet". Autoblog.com.
- "Participants". Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Retrieved 2019-11-13.
- Lancia by Michael Frostick, 1976. ISBN 0-901564-22-2