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Lancia Artena Malov

The Lancia Artena Malov by Carrozzeria Castagna.

Vehicle Overview

The Lancia Artena Malov, executed by Carrozzeria Castagna of Milan, represents a singular convergence of Lancia’s engineering principles and Castagna’s longstanding tradition of formal experimentation. Based upon the first-series Artena chassis introduced in 1931, the Malov variant emerged as a bespoke creation during a period when the division between chassis manufacturer and coachbuilder remained a defining characteristic of luxury automotive construction. The Artena chassis featured a narrow-angle V4 engine of 1,924 cubic centimeters, producing approximately 55 horsepower. Paired with a four-speed manual transmission and employing independent front suspension with semi-elliptical leaf springs at the rear, the platform was intended for reliability and comfort rather than performance. It was particularly suited to the requirements of official, diplomatic, and ceremonial use, favored for its composure and smooth power delivery. The mechanical layout provided a balanced foundation for the elaboration of tailored coachwork. Castagna, founded in 1849 and by then already established as a leading Italian coachbuilder, applied its distinct idiom to the Malov. Though specific design documentation remains sparse, the vehicle is understood to have featured formal restraint with stylized ornamentation, including flowing wing lines, a compact greenhouse, and discreet chrome detailing. The bodywork was likely constructed in aluminum over ash or steel frames, a standard practice of the period. Interiors were hand-finished, employing wood veneers, wool upholstery, and finely worked instrumentation in keeping with the traditions of Milanese carriage craftsmanship. The nomenclature “Malov” does not appear to be associated with a series or family of models and is presumed to refer either to a one-off commission or to a short production run of highly individualized vehicles. No standardization is evident. Chassis number and ownership records are fragmentary; however, one example, possibly chassis #229314, is believed to have been delivered to a northern Italian industrialist and later exhibited at regional concours events during the mid-1930s.The Lancia Artena Malov is emblematic of an era in which motorcars were constructed through layered authorship—where engineering, design, and fabrication were discrete yet collaborative processes. It endures as a symbol of restrained elegance and the Italian interwar pursuit of refinement without ostentation.

Technical Specifications

  • Body
  • Year
    1934
  • Make
    Lancia
  • Model
    Artena
  • Coachbuilder
    Castagna
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