Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet Bertone 1947 – One-Off by Revelli di Beaumont, Restored in Original Azzurro
The Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet bodied by Carrozzeria Bertone and designed by Mario Revelli di Beaumont constitutes a singular post-war example of transitional Italian coachbuilding. Constructed on a 1946 Aprilia chassis and likely completed with coachwork in 1947, the vehicle illustrates the gradual emergence of formal restraint and architectural linearity in Italian automotive aesthetics. The chassis employed is from the second series of the Aprilia model, utilizing Lancia’s advanced 1,486 cc narrow-angle V4 engine with a single overhead camshaft. Power output ranged from 48 to 55 horsepower, transmitted through a four-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. Suspension consisted of independent front wheels with torsion bars and a transverse leaf-spring rear axle. The car employed hydraulic brakes and a lightweight monocoque layout, contributing to its performance and agility. The cabriolet body is executed in steel and aluminum over a wooden frame. The design by Revelli di Beaumont features balanced proportions, a clean beltline, and modest ornamentation, reflective of evolving post-war stylistic sensibilities. A similar body was also used by Bertone on a Fiat 6C 1500 chassis, further underscoring the adaptability of the design within the firm’s post-war offerings. The car was originally finished in a shade of blue, discovered beneath later layers of paint during restoration. Archival research and period photography confirmed that the vehicle had been owned by Count Ferretti di Castelferretto, who served as president of the Novara football club. The club’s official color, azzurro (light blue), was confirmed as the original paint through stratigraphic analysis. It is believed that the car was repainted during a prior, less precise restoration in dark green with green interior trim. The current restoration, completed in 2011, returned the car to its original exterior and interior appearance, based on surviving materials and historical evidence. The light blue livery corresponds to Novara’s team colors and the “Calata Azzurra” events reportedly organized by the original owner. Interior upholstery was refitted in light leather, and the original light-toned steering wheel was preserved. Only one example is known to exist. The car was previously housed at the San Martino in Rio museum before acquisition by a private collector.
The well-known collector Emilio Lacchio presents us this one-off Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet with Bertone bodywork designed by Mario Revelli di Beaumont. After a careful restoration, a particular paintjob emerged which is connected to the Novara sports team.
Mario Revelli di Beaumont, of ancient Piedmontese noble origins, was born in Rome on June 25th 1907 from Abiel Bethel, a well-known weapons designer, and by Lucia Bonomi.
