Lancia Astura Cabriolet Tipo Bocca

Vehicle Overview

The Lancia Astura Cabriolet Tipo Bocca, built on the 233C chassis, is a rare and distinguished example of Italian automotive artistry from the 1930s. Among the 328 Corto versions produced on the short-wheelbase 122-inch platform, this particular model stands out due to its unique design and limited production. Delivered to Pinin Farina as a bare chassis in 1936, it was transformed into a masterpiece by the renowned designer Mario Revelli di Beaumont. Fitted with a distinctive narrow-angle V-8 engine (91-1171), the Tipo Bocca cabriolet embodies a rakish yet refined aesthetic. This model was commissioned by Bocca, the Lancia dealer in Biella, who ordered six of these cabriolets, highlighting the collaboration between visionary designers and skilled craftsmen. These cabriolets were built on both corto (short) and lungo (long) chassis, showcasing the elegance and versatility of the design. The aerodynamic profile of the Tipo Bocca, crafted by Pinin Farina, features a sloping, rounded grille with horizontal bars interrupted by a dramatic “waterfall” of chrome strakes running from the slim, elegant bumper to the base of a vee’d windshield. The peaked front fenders are separated from the body by rounded fairings that integrate the headlights and driving lights, while the rear fender spats contribute to the car’s smooth, clean lines. The streamlined horizontal emphasis is reinforced by a chrome strake running the entire length of the body, as well as horizontal engine compartment vents, which are accentuated when the halves of the split windshield are folded flat. The gently curving body sides feature an early use of curved side windows. The design includes several intricate and delicately constructed components that complement the coachwork’s design, such as a folding V-shaped windshield, a waterfall-style grille with an unusual combination of vertical and horizontal chrome bars, finely detailed bonnet-side vents, and a chrome side molding that runs the length of the car and ingeniously accents the coachwork. This molding adds visual length and encircles the bootlid. Inside, a delicate chrome strip frames the Art Deco-style cockpit, which features an engraved instrument binnacle, basket-weave pattern leather seats, wooden seatback caps, and Bakelite handles and control knobs. The car’s restrained elegance is highlighted by its subtle, pale grey paint with blue upholstery and a power-actuated convertible top, a great novelty for 1936. Chassis 33-5313, one of the exceptional examples of this model, won Best of Show at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, further cementing its status as a vintage masterpiece. The Lancia Astura Tipo Bocca remains a symbol of sophistication and the high level of craftsmanship achieved through the collaboration between Pinin Farina and Mario Revelli di Beaumont.