Lancia Aprilia Sport Zagato

Vehicle Overview

The Lancia Aprilia Sport Zagato is a fascinating example of early aerodynamic automotive design. During the 1930s, as the Streamline Moderne style gained popularity, car bodies became more fluid and elegant, featuring curved windshields and smooth, flowing lines. Zagato was among the first to embrace these principles, focusing on aerodynamics rather than ornamentation, with a design philosophy that maximized performance. By the end of the decade, Lancia and Zagato collaborated to produce a series of Aprilia Sport Zagato models, driven by both professional racers and gentleman drivers. One of the most intriguing was the Aprilia Sport Aerodinamica, which competed in various Italian racing events before mysteriously disappearing in the early 1940s, leaving behind only speculation and a few faded photographs. The story of this remarkable car begins in 1936 when Enrico Minetti, a Lancia dealer in Milan, commissioned a special version from Zagato. The coachbuilder created three examples, each featuring unique bodywork inspired by aviation. These lightweight, sculpted designs reflected Zagato’s innovative approach, blending artistry with performance. In 2006, to celebrate Lancia’s 100th anniversary, Andrea Zagato—third-generation head of the family company—decided to pay tribute to this lost masterpiece. However, with only a handful of aging photos as reference, the challenge was immense. Using advanced photometric analysis, the Zagato Design Department digitally reconstructed the original bodywork, correcting minor imperfections while staying true to the spirit of the 1938 model. To bring this vision to life, expert craftsmen meticulously shaped thin aluminum sheets by hand, using techniques reminiscent of the original build process. The car was constructed on an authentic Lancia Aprilia Berlina chassis and engine, with the full support of Lancia. The result was the Lancia Aprilia Sport Aerodinamica Zagato Sanction Lost, a car not just recreated, but reborn—82 years after its original conception. This extraordinary project blends tradition with modern innovation, ensuring that one of Lancia’s most captivating designs continues to inspire enthusiasts for generations to come.