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A Lancia on a Fiat chassis? A special Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet built by Carrozzeria Balbo on a Fiat chassis.
The Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet by Carrozzeria Balbo, commissioned by an Italian general, is a fascinating example of automotive ingenuity from the late 1930s. This unique vehicle was built on a Fiat 1100 chassis, onto which Lancia Aprilia mechanics were integrated—a striking approach at a time when shared platforms were rare. While such engineering solutions are commonplace today, in 1939, this level of component interchangeability was a bold and unconventional move. At the heart of this Aprilia Cabriolet lies one of Lancia’s most technically advanced engines of its era. Developed by the Lancia engineering team during the winter of 1934-1935, the engine was designed to remain under 1.5 liters while embracing the brand’s signature narrow V-cylinder layout. What set it apart was its hemispherical combustion chambers, made possible through an intricate and patented valve distribution system. This innovation allowed for more efficient combustion, improving both power and responsiveness. The cylinder head, crafted from cast iron, featured cross-flow architecture—with intake ports positioned on the right and exhaust ports on the left, optimizing airflow. Meanwhile, the engine block itself was aluminum, with cast-iron cylinder liners inserted for durability. When tested on the dyno, this 1352 cm³ powerplant delivered an impressive 47 horsepower at approximately 4,000 rpm. This was a remarkable output for a small-displacement engine of the era, underscoring Lancia’s commitment to engineering excellence. Balbo’s coachwork added a refined, open-top elegance to the Aprilia’s cutting-edge mechanical foundation. As a custom commission, this Cabriolet likely reflected the general’s personal tastes, blending sportiness with a degree of formality. The result was a car that not only showcased Lancia’s technical prowess but also the craftsmanship of Carrozzeria Balbo, a coachbuilder renowned for creating bespoke automobiles for discerning clientele. This Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet Balbo remains a testament to the era’s ingenuity, where mechanical sophistication met bespoke luxury, creating a truly unique automobile.
Carrozzeria Balbo was one of Italy’s many independent coachbuilders that played a crucial role in shaping automotive design but never achieved widespread recognition. While names like Pininfarina and Bertone dominate discussions about Italian automotive styling, Balbo remained a quieter presence, crafting elegant and innovative designs that often went uncredited. However, its impact on the world of fuoriserie (custom-built cars) remains significant.
