8 amazing barn-find Lancias for sale

Pieces of eight

Discovering a barn-find is a special thrill in the world of classic cars. The frisson of excitement as an aged, creaking door is cracked open for the first time and daylight finally reaches the treasures within. Or that’s the dream, at least.

More often than not, you’re unlikely to find anything more interesting than a Mini Metro your next door neighbour stopped driving in the late ’90s. And if you do come across something more intriguing, chances are someone will have got there long before you, cherry-picked the best bits for a song and left nothing of interest or value.

Not so this collection of incredibly rare pre-war Lancias, which is currently being listed for the princely sum of £100,000. The collection is the work of a single enthusiast who purchased the cars throughout the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, and is one of the largest collections of Lancias in the UK.

As well as eight fabulous cars the haul includes more than a tonne of parts – enough to put each of the incredible classic cars back on the road.

Pre-war pretties

The classic Lancias in this collection are in various states of repair, with some having been driven into the barn under their own power several years ago when the collection came together.

Lancia Augusta Deluxe

Lancia forged a reputation for revolutionary design, pioneering many engineering solutions that would go on to influence countless future cars.

The Augusta was an early adopter of monocoque construction that had been showcased on the 1923 Lambda.

Lancia Augusta Sport

The Augusta was also fitted with high-tech hydraulic pillar suspension on the front axle, which allowed the model to be light and very manoeuverable – traits that would serve it well on the famous Mille Miglia.

Lancia Augusta Deluxe

This rather down-at-heel Lancia Augusta Deluxe Saloon, first registered in the UK in July 1936, is clearly missing a few bits and pieces, including a radiator grille and headlamp.

That said, there are sure to be replacements in the mountain of spares that will be sold with this collection.

Lancia Augusta Cabriolet

In addition to a four-door saloon, a handsome two-door cabriolet version of the Lancia Augusta was offered.

This example, finished in white, was first registered in the UK back in November 1935.

Lancia Augusta Cabriolet (cont.)

The dainty Augusta proved a popular departure from the mid-sized saloons and sports cars that Lancia had become famous for.

But stiff competition from the keenly priced Fiat 508 Ballila meant that only 17,217 were built between 1933 and 1936.

Lancia Augusta Sport

This original-looking, UK-registered Lancia Augusta Sport, pictured on the left and finished in black and green, first hit British roads in March 1935.

It comes complete with a V5 and a copy of its original buff logbook, and is seen here next to a Deluxe model.

An appetite for Aprilias

Also in this extraordinary collection is a quartet of Aprilia saloons – which means the model accounts for half of this hoard.

Lancia built its Aprilia between 1937 and 1949, and it became one of the first cars to be developed using a wind tunnel.

Smooth operator

The result was an aerodynamic body that seemed incredibly modern compared with other cars of the day, with a drag coefficient of just 0.47Cd.

Production of the Aprilia began in February 1937, but sadly the marque’s founder, Vincenzo Lancia, passed away that month, at the age of only 55, just before full production started.

Four of a kind

The four Aprilia saloons in this UK-based collection were first registered for use on British roads in February and March 1939, in September ’47 and as late as June 1960.

The Aprilia was immortalised in print in The Adventures of Tintin story, ‘Land of Black Gold’.

A real rarity

Now when did you last see a Lancia Ardea?

The model succeeded the Augusta and was produced between 1939 and 1953, with second series cars, such as this, built from 1941-’48. Later versions included the welcome addition of a five-speed gearbox.

This particular Ardea was part of the collection belonging to late Lancia Motor Club Chairman Brinley ‘Brin’ Edwards.

Parts galore

In addition to the eight pre-war cars, several tonnes of spare parts dating from the 1920s are included in this special sale.

Mostly for the Augusta and Aprilia models, they include body panels, engines, gearboxes, radiators, axles, differentials, starter motors, dynamos, headlamps, seats, trim, wheels, bumpers and suspension components – plus much more. 

Global appeal

Interest in this collection has been strong, with potential buyers getting in touch from as far afield as Switzerland, Australia, The Netherlands and – unsurprisingly – Italy!

Storage and loading assistance can be given, as well as COVID-safe viewings for interested parties.

Packed with potential

The cars’ seller, Martin Johnson, reckons that there are easily enough spare parts to put each of the eight cars back on the road, which is an enticing prospect, if a large amount of work.

He describes this as ‘a once in a lifetime opportunity’ to acquire these ‘true survivors’.

Never again?

Ideally, the collection will be sold as one lot, but while you won’t be able to buy individual parts, the vendor is open to selling it in sections. Fancy four Aprilia projects? Today could be your lucky day.

The cars are being sold privately, for £100,000 – find out more.