Lot 141 - 1947 Lancia Ardea
| Lot Number | 141 |
| Registration | YXG 642 |
| Chassis Number | 2505710 |
| Engine Number | Not known |
| Result | Sold - £12,320 |
Introduced in 1939, the Lancia Ardea featured a 903cc, V4 power plant with an alloy cylinder head and became the smallest production V4 with all examples manufactured in righthand drive. Undoubtedly the Ardea’s most outstanding feature at the time of its introduction was this jewel of an engine – inspired by the great Vittorio Jano – producing 29 bhp at 4600 rpm, sufficient to enable the little car to reach 108 kph. More importantly, it sipped expensive petrol at the rate of 6-7 litres per 100 kms, compared to 10 litres for the Aprilia. Always a performer out of all proportion to its size, the Ardea’s V4 engine used a central chain-driven overhead camshaft operating Lancia’s patented valve system, allowing hemispherical combustion chambers. Lighter and more nimble than even the lauded Aprilia, the little car steered and handled superbly. The noted motoring journalist Ronald ‘Steady’ Barker, said that even on a Monte-Carlo Rally retrospective, what the car lacked in straight-line power it more than traded for outstanding road holding.
Imported from Italy three years ago, this charming car was first registered to its first and only UK keeper in November 2014. With a UK V5 document, Italian log book from 2007 and an ACI (Automobile Club of Italy) plaque on the rear parcel shelf, this lovely second series Lancia Ardea boasts the split rear window, centrally mounted roof seam and with pillarless doors, oozes charm. Inside the dash is body coloured with a centrally mounted speedo and a contrasting grey cloth interior. With its zingy V4 engine it provides plenty of character and fun. This Ardea is presented in very good order. To aid safety on today's roads, front and rear indicators have been added, although the standard semaphore indicators are located on the upper C-pillars. With a modest estimate, it is difficult not to fall for the charms of this delightful little Italian masterpiece.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.