Lancia Astura Cabriolet Farina

Vehicle Overview

The Lancia Astura Cabriolet Farina stands as a vivid testament to the flamboyant design prowess of Giovanni Michelotti, complemented by the interior and dashboard artistry by Mario Revelli di Beaumont. In a bold move, this captivating car participated in the 1947 Villa d’Este Elegance Concours, where it defied expectations by clinching the prestigious Best in Show prize. This victory was particularly noteworthy as it triumphed over contemporary competitors, including the renowned Cisitalia 202 and other modern cars. The Lancia Astura Cabriolet Farina marked the culmination of the flamboyant style introduced in Italy in 1946 by the Stabilimenti Farina and Ghia designers. Notably, this period (1946-1949) posed significant challenges in Italy due to the aftermath of Allied bombings that had devastated numerous factories. Amidst these difficulties, coachbuilders sought to revive automotive aesthetics by crafting new bodies on existing chassis, as the design landscape struggled to evolve. The post-war era demanded ingenuity, and the Lancia Astura Cabriolet Farina emerged as a masterpiece of this transitional phase. Its flamboyant style not only garnered accolades at the Villa d’Este concours but also served as the last representative of an era marked by bold design choices. During this time, only two similar cabriolets were built, and today, only one has endured the test of time, preserving the legacy of this remarkable piece of automotive history.