Lancia Astura Berlina Pininfarina

Vehicle Overview

The Lancia Astura 41-3011 Berlina Pininfarina, a stunning representation of automotive elegance, is etched into history for its connection to Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie. Produced in 1938, this long-wheelbase model, with chassis number 41-3011 and engine 41-110, was not merely a vehicle but a symbol of an era marked by political upheaval and complex international relations. Selassie, an enlightened and progressive leader, commanded respect not only from his people but also from Western nations and the Soviet bloc. The Astura, crafted with Pininfarina’s distinctive touch, exemplified luxury and sophistication, fitting for a ruler of his stature. The car left the Lancia factory on September 28, 1938, purchased for 75,000 Liras amid aspirations for peace with Italy. This purchase was rooted in history; in 1916, Selassie’s ascension was supported by Italy, France, and the UK to thwart the Muslim Iasù V’s claim to the throne. Yet, by the late 1930s, the political landscape had shifted dramatically. The Astura was confiscated by an Italian general as tensions escalated, symbolizing a betrayal of the earlier alliance. The situation further deteriorated when the League of Nations, a year after condemning Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia, lifted sanctions, inadvertently enabling a regime at war. During World War II, while Selassie was in exile, the Astura fell into British hands. Following the conflict, it was returned to the Emperor, who preferred it for personal use, relegating his Rolls-Royce Wraith to ceremonial duties. Despite strained relations with Italy, Selassie maneuvered through diplomacy, encouraging Italian investments to counteract British expansionist ambitions. In the late 1950s, the Astura was sold to American GI Gary Showers, who had it restored in Ohio, showcasing a striking two-tone silver and black finish. Though now residing in the USA, the car’s historical significance remains profound, reminding us that its legacy is intertwined with that of its original owner, the Emperor who once championed a vision of progress and unity.