STUNNED

[chugga boom]

As most of you are aware i'm restoring the body and mechanics on Brians Aprilia, today was its big day and time for its MOT, flew through i'm pleased to say, the mot station is on the same small industrial estate as my premisis so not really a place to get a fair impression of any car, after the test i took the car for petrol and a test run WOW  what a car, god only knows what impression it must have left in 1937 when it 1st rolled off the production line, ive never driven an aprilia on the road before and always expected it to be a let down in comparison to an augusta as the gussy's steering and handling is unbelievable for a car of its age, however the aprilia is just so "modern" by comparison and i'm honestly left stunned to how good they actually are, just goes to prove that Lancia never really built a bad car and they all have their own character and are all different but all so rewarding to drive, really need to get mine done now!!!

[Richard Fridd]

Yes,must have been fantastic in the thirties, and sounds fantastic now. I will try and get a ride in an Aprilia if the opportunity arises James

[simonandjuliet]

Aprilias ARE amazing machines, light, agile and the slickest gearbox ever. They understeer so are quite modern it that respect, and also utterly forgiving. The only problem is that you end up driving them far too quickly and roll off the outer edges of the front tyres - but then that's no problem for you with trade discount 

[rogerelias]

The first car I travelled in when born was an Aprilia, but can't remember anything about it  , glad you enjoyed the drive

[chugga boom]

The first car I travelled in when born was an Aprilia, but can't remember anything about it  , glad you enjoyed the drive

1st car I travelled in was a flavia 1500 coupe.........from the hospital I was born in , didn't stand much of a chance with this "Lancia" bug really did I  , i'm still shocked by it now almost 24hrs later , never driven anything like it truly impressed

[davidwheeler]

In Another Place I have been known to compare my Fulvia unfavourably with my Aprilia.   The difficult question is, is an Aprilia better than a Lambda?  I still haven't really decided...  I shall just have to go on driving them turn and turn about.

[lancialulu]

In Another Place I have been known to compare my Fulvia unfavourably with my Aprilia.   The difficult question is, is an Aprilia better than a Lambda?  I still haven't really decided...  I shall just have to go on driving them turn and turn about.

In another place I liked my Fulvias in preference to my Aprilia so I heretically sold the latter!!

[chugga boom]

its very hard to choose when you own more than 1 model, augusta still gives me the most smiles per miles but the appia and fulvia are far more relaxed on a long run, aprilia, well I just have to wait until mines done before I decide but still an amazing car for its age and engine size and imho far more impressive from that point of view than any of the others, im not saying its better im just saying that I REFUSE to believe any other 30's car drives like one, fulvias are great and again run rings round any opposition of the same era and ultimately faster and more modern again, I also wouldn't be without 1 , I think all I feel is that the aprilia is a massive leap forward in vehicles becoming more modern by comparison to any other model made and that's why im so impressed with it because it just doesn't feel look or perform like you would expect a 30's saloon to , dare I say it, it feels more like an appia but better but this is mearly my opinion 

[lancialulu]

I REFUSE to believe any other 30's car drives like one, fulvias are great and again run rings round any opposition of the same era and ultimately faster and more modern again, I also wouldn't be without 1 , I think all I feel is that the aprilia is a massive leap forward in vehicles becoming more modern by comparison to any other model made and that's why im so impressed with it because it just doesn't feel look or perform like you would expect a 30's saloon to   

Couldn't agree more with you James!

[ben]

I certainly still enjoy driving mine around after 49 years of ownership and probably about 100,000 miles.

I did a round trip to Poole for the Italian "Classics on the Quay" evening and the Thornfalcon meeting at Hatch Beaucham earlier this month. ie about 250 miles with no back up and no problems---just like a modern car but so much more interesting and satisfying.

Did a photo shoot last Saturday for Classics Monthly magazine alongside a Jowett Javelin focussing on the implications of keeping an unusual classic on the road. Very long term ownership is a big help of course when it comes to accumulating spares. I don't know if the article will feature a performance comparison but I suspect the Aprilia would give a pretty good account of itself despite giving away 10+ years.

[brian]

Beginning to worry that I may not get my car back!
As James would be able to say, my Aprilia was very tatty both mechanically and bodily - the rear suspension and electrics particularly affected - I think vandalised might also be a good description. Despite all of the above I did enjoy driving it a little before taking it to Wrexham.
Impressions - Augusta gearbox probably better with freewheel: steering/handling on a par: styling - I do love the square rad Gussie so on a par: most under-rated - Augusta of course: street cred - Aprilia+. So on balance - a tie!

[simonandjuliet]

I can't believe anything has a better gearbox than an Aprilia ..... I must try and find an Augusta/Belna to try !

[Richard Fridd]

I like this one in particular

[ben]

Excellent choice!

Been to "The Bull" in her for the Bristol monthly meet this evening.

                               Ben

[Richard Fridd]

I liked the overall appearance