The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Lancia Artena Sala from Museum Nicolis.
The Lancia Artena showcased at the Museo Nicolis is a Coupe de Ville, a type of car intended to be chauffeur-driven, crafted by the renowned Carrozzeria Cesare Sala. Introduced at the 1931 Paris Motor Show, the Artena, along with its older sibling, the Astura, took the reins from the Lambda and Dilambda models in Lancia’s lineup. Unlike its predecessor, the Artena featured a separate chassis, derived from the Dilambda but updated and enhanced for improved comfort. Despite boasting robust and reliable mechanics that ensured satisfactory performance, the Artena failed to achieve the commercial and image success of the Lambda, overshadowed by the more prestigious Astura. Nevertheless, production of the Artena continued until 1940, with four series produced, totaling over 5,500 cars. The Artena on display at the Museo Nicolis stands as a testament to its era, with its Coupe de Ville body reflecting the luxury and elegance associated with chauffeur-driven vehicles of the time. Remarkably, many original details remain intact, including the license plate and registration documents, offering visitors a glimpse into the car’s storied past and preserving its authenticity. This particular Lancia Artena Sala serves as a valuable piece of automotive history, highlighting the craftsmanship of Carrozzeria Cesare Sala and the enduring legacy of Lancia’s lineup during the pre-war period. Its presence at the Museo Nicolis allows enthusiasts to appreciate its design, engineering, and historical significance within the broader context of automotive development.
Silvia Nicolis presents us with this Lancia Artena Coupé Deville bodied by Cesare Sala of Milan. Let’s discover together this model kept at the Nicolis Museum which still has the original plates and booklet.
