Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet Pininfarina

Vehicle Overview

The Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet chassis 439-11854 is a rare and exquisite example of Italian automotive artistry. One of only 10 cabriolets crafted by Pininfarina, it stands as a testament to the fusion of cutting-edge engineering and bespoke coachbuilding. Of the over 28,600 Lancia Aprilias produced during that era, these ten open-top models received exclusive hand-built bodies that reflected the pinnacle of pre-war design sensibilities and continued to dazzle in post-war Europe. Chassis 439-11854 is closely tied to a significant moment in the history of automotive promotion. It followed in the footsteps of chassis 439-11397, which gained fame for its role in a bold marketing maneuver by Battista Pininfarina. In 1946, Italy was barred from the Paris Motor Show due to its wartime alliances. Refusing to be sidelined, Battista and his son Sergio embarked on a daring journey from Turin to Paris, driving the Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet 439-11397 alongside an Alfa Romeo 6C 2500. Upon arrival, they defiantly parked the cars at the entrance to the Grand Palais, the official venue of the motor show. This audacious move captured the imagination of the press and the public alike. A French journalist, impressed by the display, famously quipped, “Ce diable de Farina a ouvert son antisalon personnel” (“This devil Farina has opened his personal anti-show”). The stunt cemented Pininfarina’s reputation for innovation and flair. Carrying this legacy, this Lancia Aprilia Cabriolel, has earned accolades of its own, notably winning Best of Show at the 1947 San Remo Concours d’Elegance and again with 439-11854 at the 2024 Mantova Concorso d’Eleganza—proving that its timeless elegance continues to captivate audiences nearly eight decades after its creation.