The Aprilia was one of Lancia’s finest achievements and a contender for the little of a landmark car. It was an outstandingly advanced saloon that had features not universally found on other marques for another 20 years or more.
Lancia had already shown the way with V4 engines and unitary construction on the Lambda a generation earlier, but the Aprilia consolidated that already strong technical lead. Its rounded shape was both aerodynamics and astonishingly roomy, and on just 1400 cc the Aprilia could cruise at 70 mph (112 km/h). Sweet and responsive, the V4 was matched to an equally delightful four speed crash gearbox that made for a great drive.
Its best feature, however, was its handling. On sliding pillars at the front and torsion bars at the back, the Aprilia had the poise and agility to eclipse the majority of contemporary sports cars, never mind saloons, most of which would have fallen over had they attempted to follow it through a fast bend. At the time it was revolutionary beyond belief and truly awe inspiring.
Beautifully made in the Lancia tradition, the Aprilia gained many admires, and was the favored transport of many racing drivers, in some cases, long after production had finished. In fact, the car was current until 1949, when it was eventually replaced by the Aurelia, another ground breaking classic.
Lancia had already shown the way with V4 engines and unitary construction on the Lambda a generation earlier, but the Aprilia consolidated that already strong technical lead. Its rounded shape was both aerodynamics and astonishingly roomy, and on just 1400 cc the Aprilia could cruise at 70 mph (112 km/h). Sweet and responsive, the V4 was matched to an equally delightful four speed crash gearbox that made for a great drive.
Its best feature, however, was its handling. On sliding pillars at the front and torsion bars at the back, the Aprilia had the poise and agility to eclipse the majority of contemporary sports cars, never mind saloons, most of which would have fallen over had they attempted to follow it through a fast bend. At the time it was revolutionary beyond belief and truly awe inspiring.
Beautifully made in the Lancia tradition, the Aprilia gained many admires, and was the favored transport of many racing drivers, in some cases, long after production had finished. In fact, the car was current until 1949, when it was eventually replaced by the Aurelia, another ground breaking classic.
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