Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1935 Lancia Augusta Drophead Coupe
No Reserve - Reputedly 1 of 4 known survivors
Registration No: BUW 155
Chassis No: 341734
MOT: Exempt
Decidedly rare, UK-supplied Augusta Drophead Coupe
Sophisticated design with 1. 2 litre OHV V4 engine, independent front suspension, four-speed gearbox, flywheel
Entered from a small, private collection
Arguably too uncompromising an engineer to be a truly successful manufacturer, Vincenzo Lancia imbued his first ‘small car’ design, the Augusta, with far too many advanced features for it to price competitive. Debuting at the 1932 Paris Salon but not entering production until the following year, the newcomer boasted unitary construction, independent front suspension, hydraulic drum brakes and a 1. 2 litre OHV V4 engine. Available in saloon or drophead coupe guises (the latter penned by Vincenzo’s friend, Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina), the Augusta was capable of nearly 70mph. The choice of racing drivers Tazio Nuvolari, Achille Varzi and Luigi Fagioli thanks to its excellent road manners, the model won the Targa Florio outright and distinguished itself on the Mille Miglia.
Issued with the London number plate ‘BUW 155’ during May 1935 and thus likely sold new by Kevill-Davies & March, chassis 341734 is reputedly among less than a handful of UK-supplied, factory-bodied Augusta Drophead Coupes to have survived. Entered from the estate of the late Garett Burnett, one of life’s true gentlemen, it was undergoing restoration when he died. Seemingly basically complete, the Lancia will require finishing / recommissioning prior to returning to the road. Rare as hen’s teeth, it has the makings of a rewarding project.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
