Autoworld Brussels has again an exquisite exhibition ready for us: until April 19 we can admire a carefully curated selection of about 12 absolutely iconic Lancias. It shows us the elegance and innovation through design, as the title of the exhibition indicates. But we would add, the pop-up exhibition also showcases innovation through ingenuity and engineering excellence.
 

The cars are beautifully displayed at the beginning of the vast and inviting central hall of Autoworld, taking you on a journey of more than a century of technical innovation, refined design, and engulfing you in its rich motorsport heritage.

My eyes first fell on, at least to my taste, the absolute beauty of the show, the Lancia Astura Roadster by Pinin Farina. This 1935 Astura is a technical gem. The V8 engined car was introduced on the Paris Motor Show in 1931. This Astura on the show belongs to the third series, built between 1933 and 1937, with 1,243 units made.

The third-generation Astura was offered in short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase variants, and was powered by a new, larger engine. Indeed, it was enlarged from 2,6 to 3 litres, and the 17° narrow angle V8 single overhead camshaft engine now developed 82 hp. This short wheelbase you see on the photos was ideal for coachbuilders to show their talent.

ounded with the moral and financial support of Vicenzo Lancia, the Carrozzeria of Battista “Pinin” Farina witnessed a revival and produced breathtaking bodies. Of the just 328 “Corto” chassis built, many were clothed by Pinin Farina. The contours of this roadster are from the artistic hand of Mario Revelli di Beaumont, an independent stylist who worked actually for several “carrozzerie”…

Another car by the hand of Pinin Farina was for me the Lancia Flaminia. I was therefore elated to see the conceptual predecessor of the Flaminia, the Florida. The “bellezza” and elegance of this car deeply moves me. Just look at the photos. The car was built by Pinin Farina on an Aurelia B56 chassis, and it was a technically quite daring four-door pillarless saloon.

It was shown on the 1956 Brussels salon, and as a young boy, I dreamt about it. Just like the Boano styled Ferrari’s, it was for me the pinnacle of what human art, intellect and craftmanship could reach in terms of sheer contemporary beauty.

The pillarless doors had to go in the production version, the Flaminia, therefore the elegance of this Florida truly stands out.  

Much more to follow on this Lancia show at Autoworld soon, about the D50 racing car, the iconic rally cars like the Stratos… just remember, go and see it, it is on show until April 19.
 

Practical info: Autoworld, Parc du Cinquantenaire 11
1000 Brussels, Belgium.

Please note, the museum is closed Wednesday 11 March, Thursday 12 March and Monday 16 March 2026.

Opening hours: MONDAY – FRIDAY
10:00 – 17:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
10:00 – 18:00

Hans Knol ten Bensel