Description Early First Series model; current owner 35 years; unfinished project; believed complete with additional spares included; engine partially rebuilt; a good way to keep yourself busy over the winter...

Widely regarded as the pinnacle of pre-war light-car design, the Lancia Aprilia was the last car masterminded by Vincenzo Lancia before his untimely death in 1937.

Embodying all the engineering brilliance and technical sophistication for which Lancia had become famous in the preceding 30 years, it boasted a combination of superb handling, performance and economy that was not significantly bettered for decades.

Powered by a 1,352cc 48bhp V4, this aerodynamic marvel could carry five adults at 80mph and 30mpg.

Suspension was classic Lancia with sliding pillars at the front and trailing arms at the rear incorporating a transverse leaf spring and torsion bars.

The hydraulically-actuated drum brakes (inboard at the rear) were also outstanding for their time.

A Second Series mode...