At a time when Lancia is slowly withering away, it was great to see its fabled products of the past star at the major Concours d'Elegances, and in particular two versions of the Astura. In May, this particularly striking Astura Castagna Aerodinamica Coupe won the coveted Copa d'Oro at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. One of four built, and the only one using a short wheelbase chassis, this car combines the V8-engined Lancia underpinnings with a very slippery Castagna bodywork. The Astura Aerodinamica Coupe was both used for races and Concours d'Elegance in period.
A few months later this Astura won the equally desirable Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Fitted with a particularly striking Pinin Farina cabriolet body, it had previously been part of the collections of legendary musician Eric Clapton and Pininfarina themselves. Ahead of its appearance at Pebble the Astura 'Bocca' Cabriolet was completely restored, which took over five years. Remarkably, it was the very first time the owner ever entered a car at Pebble.

Enjoy the links:

1933 - 1936 Lancia Astura Pinin Farina 'Bocca' Cabriolet Gallery Images - Ultimatecarpage.com

1935 Lancia Astura Castagna Aerodinamica Coupe - Images, Specifications and Information

1936 - 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A Chassis 154083 - Ultimatecarpage.com