Lancia Aprilia Aerodinamica

Vehicle Overview

The Lancia Aprilia Aerodinamica, designed by Pininfarina in 1936, marked a major shift in automotive body design, especially regarding aerodynamics and integration. Built on the innovative Lancia Aprilia chassis, this model showcased a revolutionary approach to car design, prioritizing airflow and streamlined aesthetics. Pininfarina’s design on the Aprilia Aerodinamica was groundbreaking because it departed from traditional boxy, segmented car bodies, introducing instead a single, continuous form. This unity of body lines—seamlessly integrating side panels and mudguards—was highly advanced for its time and represented a new philosophy of aerodynamic efficiency. A hallmark of the design was the elongated, tapered roof, described as “like a drop of water.” This concept was particularly effective in reducing drag and was influenced by the shape of natural elements to help the car “cut through” air more fluidly. The Aerodinamica also incorporated an innovative curved windscreen made of Plexiglas—a novel material choice, as curved glass was not yet available. This extended to the side and rear windows, further reducing wind resistance and offering smoother visual lines. Plexiglas’s introduction highlighted Pininfarina’s forward-thinking use of materials and opened up new possibilities for car designers who were previously restricted by the limitations of flat glass. Pininfarina crafted several versions of the Lancia Aprilia Aerodinamica from 1936 to 1937, each refining key elements. Some models featured a more pronounced Lancia grille and headlights that were fully recessed into the body, enhancing the car’s sleek look. Later iterations saw the addition of a second rear window for improved visibility, though this feature was eventually removed, along with the front wheel housing covers, in favor of a more cohesive roofline. The Lancia Aprilia Aerodinamica not only set a new design standard for Pininfarina but also influenced the future of automotive aerodynamics. By balancing aesthetics with function, Pininfarina established a template for the streamlined, elegant designs that would come to characterize modern car bodies. This car remains an important historical touchpoint, showcasing the evolution of both material use and aerodynamic shaping in automotive design.