Lancia leads a trio of pre-WW2 cars to auction

| 8 May 2013

A 1933 Lancia Astura by Pinin Farina is estimated to make £95-110,000 when it goes under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions on 17 May.

The matching-numbers second series car is just one of 750 built and has a 2604cc V8 engine.

The Lancia was fully restored in 1972, with work completed on the engine, including reboring the cylinders, replacing the crankshaft bearings, fitting new timing- and water-pump chains (along with replacing the water and oil pumps), plus an overhaul of the valvegear.

A new stainless-steel exhaust was also fitted, plus the car’s suspension, clutch and gearbox were all rebuilt.

In 1978, the Drophead Coupé was resprayed and the interior completely retrimmed with new leather and carpets.

A 1927 Studebaker Commander Big Six offers an even older option and is estimated to make £12-15,000.

Powered by a 354cu in V8 with 75bhp, the American classic has covered just 12,000 miles over the past 25 years and has an interior that is said to be highly original.

A 1935 Austin Seven Ruby, which is offered at no reserve, could turn out to be the bargain of the bunch, though.

The car comes with a huge history file, while the interior has recently been reupholstered.

And if you fancied the 1971 Fiat 124 Spider in our May ‘Summer Fun’ feature, now’s your chance because it carries an estimate of £8-12,000.

View the full lot list on the Auction House’s website.