The Lancia Astura is a car from Lancia, built from 1931 to 1939, when streamlining and independent suspension were arriving together. Under the bonnet: 2606 cc V8.
Where it came from
The Lancia Astura is a passenger car produced by Italian automobile manufacturer Lancia between 1931 and 1939. Lancia replaced the Lambda model with two models: the four-cylinder Artena and the larger, V8-powered Astura. Both of these models were introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1931. The Astura chassis was used by various coachbuilders to create coupes, convertibles and sedans. The Astura evolved over four series:
First series, built between 1931 and 1932 with 496 units made. Second series, built between 1932 and 1933 with 750 units made. The engine mountings were modified for this generation to reduce noise and vibration. Third series, built between 1933 and 1937 with 1,243 units made. The third-generation Astura was offered in short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase variants, and was powered by a new, larger engine. Fourth series, built between 1937 and 1939 with 423 units made. Only offered in long-wheelbase.
Under the skin
Power comes from 2606 cc V8; other versions carried different engines, listed in the specification table below. It weighs 1250 kg-1750 kg. It shifts through a 4-speed manual. The layout matters: a front engine drives the rear wheels, the classic proportion — long bonnet, cabin set back — that most people picture when they picture a sports saloon or a grand tourer. The wheelbase is 318 cm (S.1-S.2) / 310 cm (S.3) / 333 cm (S.3) / 348 cm (S.4). These are manufacturer figures carried by Wikipedia and Wikidata, not road-test measurements.
In context
Its family tree is legible: it took over from the Lancia Dilambda; its successor was the Lancia Aprilia. Its contemporaries in the catalogue — the Chevrolet Suburban, the Bugatti Type 57, the British Motor Corporation MG C-type — show what else the money bought that year. Nearby in the Lancia catalogue sit the Lancia 037 and the Lancia 2000.
What it costs now
MotorJury scores cars on the United States complaint and recall record, and the Lancia Astura has none: too old, too rare, or never sold there. Its value today is a collector's question, decided by provenance and condition rather than by a class average.