Lancia introduced the Artena in 1931 and was arguably an evolution of its advanced predecessor, the legendary Lambda.

 

The Artena’s 1,924cc, single-overhead camshaft V4 engine produced around 55hp and was mounted behind the front axle for optimal balance. The design also utilised Lancia’s patented engine mounting system that eliminated potential chassis and body vibrations created by the engine. The Artena’s front suspension was Lancia’s famous sliding pillar system and a live axle with leaf springs set-up was found at the rear. The gearbox had four forward speeds which gave the car a top speed of around 70mph.

 

Unlike the monocoque-bodied Lambda, the Artena chassis allowed the fitment of bespoke bodies by individual coachbuilders and also saw commercial applications such as vans and ambulances.

 

The Artena evolved through four distinct series and the 3rd Series cars were offered with the option of a long or short-chassis.

 

Chassis 28-3677 is a 3rd Series short-chassis example with a very attractive two-door body by Farina to a Faux Cabriolet design – Faux Cabriolets have the appearance of a convertible with a fabric covered fixed roof.

 

The Artena’s first owner was the Contessa Carlangela Durini, wife of notable Italian Air Force officer Lieutenant-General Mario Ajmone-Cat. The Contessa was also a motoring pioneer and was the first woman to cross equatorial Africa by ‘mechanical transport’ from the Red Sea to Lobito in Angola. The couple’s son, Giovanni Ajmone-Cat, was also an adventurer who organised two Antarctic expeditions. 

 

The family owned the Artena for a remarkable seventy-seven years until it was sold in 2010 to its next owner, who’s relative took part in both of Giovanni’s Antarctic expeditions.

 

The Artena was in largely original condition when it was purchased by the current owner in 2016. Respected UK Lancia specialists Thornley Kelham then carried out a program of sympathetic preservation and recommissioning work between 2016 and 2019 at a cost of over £25,000.

 

Electrical work included the fabrication and installation of a new cotton-braided wiring loom, new coil, points, condenser, HT leads and battery leads plus the installation of a USB port under the dashboard and a battery cut-off switch under front passenger seat.

 

In addition, the carburettor was stripped, cleaned and rebuilt, a new fuel pump and regulator installed and the fuel sender repaired with a new float. The radiator was stripped and rebuilt and the coolant hoses replaced. The exhaust-manifold-to-cylinder-head surface was refinished and a new fan belt and fire extinguisher fitted.

 

The braking system was stripped and rebuilt; the front and rear brake drums were removed and cleaned and new phosphor bronze bushes fitted to front and rear brake shoes. Three new brake cables were also fitted. The front hubs were stripped and cleaned, the rear shock absorbers rebuilt and the suspension and steering systems checked for geometry.

 

Finally, the road wheels received new tyres and inner tubes and a layer of Duck oil was applied to the underbody. Seat covers protect the fabric of the front seats.

 

In February 2021 the car was inspected and serviced by Rome-based specialist Paolo Centazzo at a cost of 1,390 euro. Work included a carburettor tune-up, repair of a gearbox leak, machining of a brake drum and new engine oil. The owner, who uses a Lambda as his daily driver in Tuscany, confirms the gearbox “is the sweetest of all his Lancias, and a joy to drive”.

 

This highly original Artena is still registered on its original and very attractive metal five-digit ‘targa nera’ Roma 38885 registration number.

 

With a remarkable 77-year ownership history and sleek Faux Cabriolet coachwork this rare example is now available for sale and is a worthy addition to any Lancia collection.

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