Lancia Ardea

Loosely translated from Italian:

Lancia Ardea

A small V4 powered the compact 1939 Ardea. It was a 20° narrow-angle engine displacing just 903 cc, the smallest V4 ever built. Bore and stroke were new again at 65 mm by 68 mm, and output was just 28.8 hp (21.5 kW).

Lancia Ardea is automobile produced in Casa Torinese from the 1939 to the 1953.

The Begining

The Ardea sedan first series (1939)

The 1939 it turns to the term between the first flares of guerra, when the Turinese House nozzle on the market a new revolutionary product, to whose realization has probably contributed to the famous planner Vittorio Jano, passed from Alpha Romeo to Lancia in the February 1938. To the car it comes given the name “Ardea”, correspondent to that one of one ancient city laziale (geographically little to south of Pomezia). Even if the idea of a rolled small car to sure place side by side to the Aprilia é delivery of the fervent mind of Vincenzo Lancia (that seems already had defined it like the most popular car between that I have produced up to now ), the first one vagito of the one which then will be the Ardea can be identified in a licence, deposited approximately two months after the Nozzle passing monsù, in the spring of 1937, for `' one new valve distribution in head tilted, commant from a single tree of distribution set in action from one silent chain fortified of tenditore automatic rifle. Behind this little entusiasmante definition, hides but an ingenious mechanism by means of which a single camshaft sets in action, through eight auctions much court (and balances), the valves, that they turn out tilted regarding the axis of the cylinders: the system concurs therefore to obtain, without having to resort to two or more camshafts, the witness hemispheric, considered to the age the top for the elevated rendering. As far as instead the line of the auto body, mrs. Adele Lancia and its collaborators they do not have some doubt: it must repeat, practically reduced in scale 9/10, that one of the sister greater Aprilia, already received with favor from public and critic and started on the happened one. True and just gioiellino, the Ardea has the twisted one to be born in a mistaken moment: when, in the November of 1939, it comes introduced the Head of the Italian Government, Benito Mussolini, breathes war air before (two months, 1° the september, Hitler has triggered the world-wide conflict), in Italy hardly has been isitutito the circulation prohibition (tax from the 3 september temporarily will be repealed l'8 December 1939), the benzine is rationed, the sure climate insomma not é that ideal for the launch of a new model of car, ancorché relatively economic.

The History and Characteristic

The Ardea (to right) placed side by side from the sister greater Aprilia (1939)

The Ardea (in flat second) and (in Association of Bologna) the sister greater Aprilia (1939)

Lancia Ardea (or type 250) therefore one small car, from the shining performances, than introduced a sedan body to four door whose line resemble that one of the Aprilia.

The Ardea has a motor (type 100) to 4 cylinders to V tightened (the 54 angle of the “V” would have to be of 19°' even if some source filler 17°40') of 903 cc (bore millimeter 65 and run millimeter 68) that it distributes the maximum power of 28,8 HP and that can ruotare to the beautiful regimen (for the age) of 4600 turns to the minute. Following it dictates me of monsù Nozzle, the plan of the motor of the Ardea - beyond to already described distribution system - previews a light group (approximately 80 Kg) and of compact dimensions, also if with the motor monoblock realized in cast iron to thin walls in order to avoid the resource to aluminum alloies, judged more expensive and still not sufficiently reliable. Refined particular of this motor somo the connecting rods in duralluminio. The tests of the Ardea come capacities from the expert ahead Luigi Gismondi, than initially it uses some Aprilia fortified of Ardea motor, and that it does not find large disadvantages, made saves a insufficient reliability of the front shocks-absorber, which moreover the front chassis is succeeded at last to place remedy modifying opportunely. As far as the suspensions, firm remaining the classic formulation Nozzle to the front chassis (independent wheels with vertical cannocchiali incorporating molloni helicoidal and the hydraulic shocks-absorber concentrates), finds retrotreno a not more “complex to us” like that one of the Aprilia, but a simpler and classic rigid bridge with longitudinal crossbows One characteristic interesting é given from the drive shaft with snodati and elastic joints to cylindrical ear-ring joints (inside in rubber). The rest of the transmission is composed from the usual clutch monodisc to dry and from a change to four relationships ahead, with gears of the type to entrance express. This the riepilogativo picture of the measures of construction and of I block of the Ardea placed to comparison with those of second the Aprilia contemporary series: step cm 244,0 (Aprilia 275,0), front track cm 116,2 (126,2), posterior track cm 118,0 (128,7), length car cm 361,5 (393), width cm 138,0 (150,0), height cm 151,0 (153,0). In spite of the reduced dimensions more, the nside of the Ardea - whose approached it is also here optimal for via of the system of opening of the porter to closet and the absence of mounting they centers - does not sacrifice the passengers: the position much being left over of the motor - mounted nearly to jolt regarding the front axle - concurs a good total habitability, while the occupants of the posterior places end indeed in order to arrange of a greater space in height thanks to the line of the tail (or more just of the final part of the roof) more stocky and little sgfuggente regarding that one of the Aprilia. Remaining in auto body topic, others two particular differentiate the two cars considerably: the motor cowling (than in the Ardea is realized in sol pezzoe of the most modern type with opening “to crocodile”) and baggage car (than he is not accessible here from the outside but from the nside). The spare wheel is instead accessible from the outside, rimuovendo an appropriate bringing shop the plate. We finish with a signal to the performances of the car that, thanks to the power of the motor (rather elevated in relation to the class and the piston displacement), the lightness together (the hung car, in march order, something less than 800 Kg) and to good aerodynamic shape (0,38 its coefficient Cx), are of all respect: the advanced maximum speed to i 105 km. hour and inferior consumption to 8 100 liters every Km.

The Ardea of (1939)

The “tail” of the Ardea (1939)

Choosing the Name

To the car it comes given the name “Ardea”, correspondent to that one of ancient a city laziale (geographically little to south of Pomezia), founded perhaps from the son of Ulisse and of Circe, that they of the Rutuli to the age of the disembarkation of Enea was understood. This name, little loved also from the same lancisti, will give place to arguments approximately its corrected one pronounces: initially it is the same Manufacturer to suggest a tonic accentuation on before “” (demonstrating it are first depliant), but to the end they will prevail those who do not appreciate this position of the accent, as well as it is true that still today when refers to this model, it is pronounced most times as Ardéa (to being accented is therefore “and”)

The Evolution

The place of guide of the Ardea first series (1939)

The Ardea sedan comes introduced in preview to Benito Mussolini, head of the Italian Government, in the November of 1939, but its production in series begins a month after, to December (14 December exits from the factory, for the tests, the first copy). The first deliveries to the customers go back to January 1940.
In spite of the reduced dimensions of the motor, also in the event of the Ardea the Nozzle thinks to prepare one special platform chassis (type 350) to outside assign to the carriage makers for the versions series. Because of the war events (but also for via of the class of the little suitable car to the scope), of this chassis will come constructed to least units (the exact data are not available).
On ending of 1940 to the sedan one places side by side to the version “Rates” defined also like 450-Rome type: putting from part the carrying auto body, these “rates” is realized on a platform chassis with step and increased tracks. Of the Rates Rome 450 they will come realizes to you, in three years 1940-1942, 501 exemplary (511 second some sources).
In spite of also Italy by now it is been involved directly in the second world war, 10 October 1941, after 2992 sedans constructed, the Nozzle brings to the Ardea a modification to the space portabagagli, that he becomes accessible from the outside through a cover of wide dimensions, similar to that one existing on the Aprilia This modified Ardea comes defined like “second series” (even if, for information thoroughness, it goes said that someone think that the beginning of the second series coincides with the escape of the 12 version to volt, in January 1948)
Between the the' 42 end of and the beginning of the' 43, the entire productive activity Nozzle comes transferred in the plants of Bolzano, thought less vulnerable, and the construction of the Ardea, already reduced to average thousand of pieces in 1942, is contracted ulteriorly until practically arresting itself in 1944, in order to then resume with one some regolarità in the February of 1946.

A faded image, dating January 1946, of the first small Ardea vans taken in the courtyard of the Lancia plant

From the second half of 1945, while, to the sedan the version joins trades them of the type “small van”, that it will remain in production until 1953 and that will be placed side by side, from the half of 1948, from the version “van”.
To the end of January of 1948, the Ardea is object of some modifications not little account (than however, like already s' it is made signal, it does not give origin, officially, to one new series), between which the aodzione of the system electrical worker to 12 Volt (in place of that one to 6 mounted Volt previously) and some ritocchi to the motor (variation compression ratio, various calibration of the carburetor)

The Ardea Sedan: the image refers to the third series of 1948, but the four series of the Ardea are aesthetically very similar

The production of the third series (introduced officially to the Hall of the automobile of Turin of the 15 september 1948) begins 5 August 1948 and introduces which main innovation the adoption of the change of speed to 5 relationships (nth “supremacy” of the Nozzle), but it is distinguished seteticamente for the widening of the rear window and the passing of the ribbing centers them “to crest” on the roof and the cover of the bagagliaio
The quarter and last 16 series begin November 1949 and new head in aluminum rather than in cast iron, increment of the value of the compression ratio, new carburetor, light increase of the power from 28,8 to 30 HP) n and for some particular of auto body differs from the series previous for modifications to the motor (, inside (flying of guide, to posacenere, pomelleria) and outside (application of one protection in rubber to the bumpers and one various grafia of the written “Nozzle” on the caps of the wheels).
The production of the Ardea sedan is arrested to the end of 1952 in order to make place to the Appia (its heir), while the small van them survives some month (constructs still 320 in 1953). Based on the progressive numerations, the total of produced units would be equal to 22.730 units; from other documentation Nozzle, however, this total would turn out of sun 22,710 units: it is probable that the 20 units in less correspond to 20 destroyed cars /demolite in the autumn of 1942 as a result of one aerial incursion.

The Competition

The Fiat 1100 was a contemporary sedan in the 1940

Introduced on the market in a moment pessimo, the Ardea enters in competition however directed with the produced equivalent of Fiat, 1100, than, to forehead of a greater piston displacement, it offers substantially similar performances, but coast decidedly less (at the beginnig of 1940: 26,500 Liras the Ardea, Liras 20,750 1100; to March 1940, 28,500 Liras the Ardea, Liras 23,500 1100; in the post-war period, 1948, 1.260.000 Liras the Ardea, 1.048.000 Liras the 1100B; in 1952, 1.331.500 Liras the Ardea, 1.100.000 Liras the 1100E).
In favor of the new creature Nozzle they go ascribed minor a consumption, blocks reduced, a greater refinement and, like always, a better degree than finish, but evidently these qualities have a perhaps too much elevated price, than only the “lancisti” it becomes attached to you are disposed to pagare.
The regarding numbers the constructed exemplary are commented by themselves: between 1940 and 1952, they come little more constructed than to 23.000 Ardea sedans (comprised Taxi), while in the same period produced Fiat 1100 are beyond six times a lot (beyond 148.000, including the Taxis and the versions “long sedan”)

The Price of the Ardea

As the competition is said, the purchase price of Lancia Ardea always has turned out more elevated regarding that practices to you from the competition: if that is worth for the Italian list, in the event of the selling price abroad the difference é still more sensibile.
Italian Lists

If we confront the list of the Ardea with that one of Fiat 1100, its concurrent directed one, we have - as far as the Italian market - this situation:
1940 - January - 26,500 Liras the Ardea, Liras 20,750 Fiat 1100
1940 - March - 28,500 Liras the Ardea and Liras 23,500 Fiat 1100
1943 - september - 41,000 Liras Ardea (N.D the price of Fiat 1100)
1945 - November - 325,000 Liras the Ardea, Liras 251,000 Fiat 1100
1946 - March - 480,000 Liras Ardea (N.D the price of Fiat 1100)
1947 - November - 1.260.000 Liras the Ardea, Liras 1.000.000 approximately Fiat 1100
1948 - December - 1.260.000 Liras the Ardea, Liras 1.034.000 Fiat 1100 B
1949 - November - 1.330.000 Liras the Ardea, Liras 1.160.000 Fiat 1100 E
1950 - December - 1.190.000 Liras the Ardea, Liras 975,000 Fiat 1100 E
1951 - January - 1.327.000 Liras the Ardea, Liras 1.100.000 Fiat 1100 E
1952 - October - 1.331.500 Liras the Ardea, Liras 1.100.000 Fiat 1100 E
Prices in Switzerland
On Swiss “the free” market, the price practiced from the Nozzle for the Ardea turns out highest indeed, considered the category and the piston displacement of the car. Eccone an extract that evidences the veridicità of this affermazione
In March 1949 -- Franchi Swiss 12,500 Lancia Ardea (Franchi 7,900 Fiat 1100 B; 7.100 the Simca Huit of the 1200 cc- French version of our Fiat 1100 - 5,500 the most modern 4CV Renault than 750 cmc to posterior motor, 6,200 giardiniera Fiat 500B)
In March 1950 -- Franchi Swiss 10,500 Lancia Ardea (7,200 Fiat 1100 and, 6,950 the Simca Huit, 4,850 the Renault 4CV Lusso. 5.900 the 500 giardiniera C, quite 9,800 one Mercedes 170!!)
In March 1951 -- Franchi Swiss 10,500 Lancia Ardea (7,350 Fiat 1100 and, 6,950 the Simca Huit, 4,800 the Renault 4CV Lusso, 6,020 the 500 giardiniera C, 8,250 the Austin A40, 9,900 one Mercedes 170)
In March 1952 -- Franchi Swiss 11,400 Lancia Ardea (7,650 Fiat 1100 and, 8975 the new Simca Aronde, 8300 Peugeot 203, 6500 500C the Lookout, 5300 the Renault 4CV, 8450 the Austin A40, 13,400 the renewed Mercees 170S).

The Ardea derived

The Rates in Rome (1940-42)

A small Ardea van (1948)

Drawing of the small Ardea van (1946)

Ardea van (1948); the contours, shape and the dimensions are similar to the Cassone

The first product “derived Ardea” is the Rome Rates (model 450 second the official denomination of the House), that it is born in 1940. Characterized from an antiquated line, this version comes realized abandoning the structure carrying and using a chassis to pianale of dimensions (step and track) greater regarding the sedan, for the obvious necessity to offer one better habitability to the passengers. The motor (and the mechanics generally) are evidently those of the sedan, made exception for the final relationship of demoltiplicazione of the transmission (with greater reduction, therefore more “short”), for the measure (increased) of Rims and rubbers and for the clean reduction of the performances - smaller speeds, acceleration and resumption and greater consumption - imputable to the greater weight (approximately 300 Kg in more, par to d an increase nearly 40%!!). Of this all added not entusiasmante version, costtruiti come, in three years 1940-1942, little more than 500 units. 1941 are however the year in which from the factory exemplary (424 for the exactitude exit nearly all). The total produced pieces number would have to be of 511, from the moment that the numeration begins from the 450-1001 and finishes with the 450-1511, but second other sources the effective production would turn out leggermente inferior (501 units)
In 1941, in full war, the Nozzle seems has constructed 9 “furgoncici” with Ardea mechanics; of sure there is that the sale of this fortunate version trades begins seriously them in the immediate post-war period, in the second half of 1945. The Ardea small van - whose denomination of factory is type 550 but that it comes also pubblicizzato as “800” to indicate the capacity in kilograms - remains in forwarded production until 1953, and NATO to the remained half of 1948 and in production comes placed side by side from the version “van” (approximately four years). Leaving from the “base” of the small van, they come also constructed several “ambulances”, commercialized from the same Nozzle. There is from adding at last that these vehicles trade them - also aesthetically gradevoli - come received with remarkable favor from the customers a lot that construct nearly 9,000, of which beyond 7.000 small vans.

The Specially built Ardea

The Ardea Carrozzata bodied by Zagato called “Panoramic” (1949)

The Ardea derived from the small van but carrozzata to multispace from the Frank carriage maker of Turin and called Promiscuetta

The Promiscuetta in the persons configuration for transport

The Promiscuetta in the configuration for the transport of things

Least series are the Ardea carrozzate outside on prepared chassis “350” from the Turinese House: sure Pininfarina has realized some cabriolet, while, in the post-war period, we have sure some copy (one is documented, more of it is unknown) a due to Zagato, than it it has realized the typical “the Panoramic” formula second, then, of the carriage maker milanese.
Interesting for the line of the “tail” that in a sure sense anticipates that one of the Appia future, it is one sedan (a lot probably an only copy), on chassis of type 450 to long step, had to Pininfarina.
To the Hall of Turin of it you open them 1951, the stand Nozzle accommodates one special version derived from the Ardea small van: called “Promiscuetta”, the interesting vehicle - realized from the small Frank Turinese auto body - é substantially a multispace ante-litteram to 4 doors (5 with that posterior one, sdoppiata) whose nside can be transformed, with little and simple maneuvers of ribaltamento of the posterior seats, from normal car to 5 places in able two-seater with wide posterior space for the transport of things. This the description that of it made the review “the published Automobile” from the Automobile Club of Italy: The nozzle exposes moreover a small van on particularly interesting Ardea chassis for its versatilità. It can transport five persons and one good amount of baggage arranged in the posterior part, behind the seat, or, ribaltando the posterior seat with easiest maneuver, two persons more 8 quintals than goodses. Rimuovendo completely the same seat, at last, the destined space to the goodses becomes still more wide one. The vehicle, called “Promiscuetta”, has an executed entire metallic auto body from the Frank auto body of Turin, and particularly is adapted the commerce travellers.
It at last must remember as some handicraft creations in some way become related with the Ardea have participated in Italy, between 1947 and first years' 50, to some race on road and in climb. Of they and theirs she turns out to you sportswomen (however never thrilling) we will speak in the most appropriated understood defined it like “the Ardea and the race”: here enough to cite of the denominations: Alf (Avalle-Nozzle), Ardor (Ardea del Giardino), Frediani, OSFA (Officina Specializza Faccioli Aldo), Parisotto, Vici. He can himself be still added that, all, employed one unit Ardea engine, elaborated, upgraded but reduced in the piston displacement waves to re-enter in the limits of the piston displacement class “until 750 cmc”.

The Ardea and Racing

Being be launch on the market to the end of 1939, when by now no more it could be allowed than to speak about race automotive for via of the war, the white one of gold of the Ardea begins from the 1946.
Rolled its, 903 cc, force it to run in the within of the class comprised between 751 and i 1100 cc, therefore to be moderate itself with most powerful Fiat 1100 avails again, the Ardea é be used very rarely in the competitions, also in nazione|nazionale within.
However they are not lacked some worthy performances relief, between which, in the june 1947, one amazing Victoria in its class of the category International Tourism - in front of all Fiat 1100 - to XIV the edition of famous the great race on Italian road of the age, the Thousand Miles.
To part the sedans of series (or nearly), the sport scene of the years to horse between the decade of anni'40 and that successive one see the reduction in handicraft field of some vetturette of realization - generally with auto body so-called “small boat” that is substantially “spyder” - fortified of motor of Ardea derivation. Vetturette the motorized sports Nozzle of which news is had are at least six (Alf, Ardor, Frediani, Osfa, Parisotto, Vici). To follow a short history of ciascuna of they, with the main ones she turns out to you sportswomen conseguiti.

The Ardor 750 of Zuccato 'engaged in the Goblet of the Dolomiti (July 1948)

Alf
In 1949 a gentlemen gotten passionate of motoring, the famous Turinese manufacturer let alone engineer Sandro Fiorio, in agreement with the friend Piero Avalle, ago to put under construction one special vetturetta in order to run in the class until 750 cmc.
The chassis (tubular) comes realized from the workshop of the Grignani siblings, while the motor - it seems directly obtained from the Nozzle thanks to the friendships of the engineer - is a reduced Ardea little more than 700 cmc than rolled. This small letter vetturetta, defined “Alf” (acronym of Avalle Lancia Fiorio) little comes capacity in contest from and little from the other of the two friends (to the Thousand Miles of 1950 and of the 1951 the two will run in brace).
This car achieves single a Victoria to the Goblet of Tuscany 1951, where it comes lead from the two friend-constructors: in all the other occasions turn out to you are less eclatanti, even if many honorable placings do not lack, between which an important 3° place of class (40° absolute place) to Thousand Miles 1950, always thanks to the guide of Piero Avalle and Sandro Fiorio.
Ardor
In 1948 vicentino ingegner the Enrico Of the Garden realizes, between the others, one “750” fortified of Ardea motor and suspensions Fiat 1100. Call “Ardor” (for contraction of “Ardea-Of the Garden”) the car takes part with Andrea Zuccato and the same one Of the Garden to some contests in biennium 1948-1949: in those years it obtains, among other things, 2° of class to the Goblet of Dolomiti 1948, 3° in the race in Victoria and the place climb Agordo (always of class) to the Mosson-Tresché-Conco climb of 1949. In 1950 the machine comes acquired from Alexander Parisotto, that a place of classe.
participates to the Treponti-Castelnuovo obtaining moreover modest 5° Frediani
In Tuscany, a little famous craftsman, Frediani, Mario Ricci realizes on behalf in 1952 of the lucchese pilot, one risen of “torpedo” based on chassis 500 Fiat and Ardea motor reorganized in the piston displacement but fortified of double carburetor. In 1953 this Nozzle, carrozzata from the Mariani Siblings of Pistoia, participates to some important competitions, obtaining, in the class 750 sports, some interesting turns out to you: 2° place (Mario Ricci/Romiti) to the hardest Turn of Sicily, 6° place to the Circuit of Forli, 3° place to celebre Targa Florio and the climb Giocca-Osilo Scale. The career is closed, always in 1953, with the Victoria of class to the Goblet of the Consuma.

The “small boat” Vici of the crew composed from Enrico Adanti and Alexander Vici, shortly before the departure for Thousand Miles 1953, where the machine will be forced to the withdrawal

Osfa
The “Osfa” (acronym of Specialistic Workshop Faccioli Aldo), assets in the immediate post-war period, before realizes in the' 47 one “750 sports” using a chassis Fiat Topolino and a Ardea motor. The car, used from Giuseppe Panzacchi in period 1947/49, does not obtain large it turns out to you (the best one is 3° a place of class to the Thousand Miles of 1948, where Giuseppe Panzacchi shares the guide with Aldo Faccioli). In 1952 the machine passes in the hands of George Sharpshooters and, carrozzata former novo from the Ortolani auto body, obtains (in 1953) modest 6° a place of class in the Goblet of the Tuscany and, with Rinaldo Cardinals like coequiper, 3° a place of class in the Turn of the Umbria.
Parisotto
Alexander Parisotto, one of the founders of the Scuderia Patavium, after to have acquired the “Ardor” of the Ing Of the Garden (with which dispute, in 1950, the Treponti-Castelnuovo) decides, some time after, to launch the construction of some cars rolled small sport: between these, one nearly sure will mount the motor little more than 700 cmc extirpated from the Ardor. With this new car (and second a nearly analogous one), the same Parisotto but above all Gino D' Angeli, runs one dozen of contests between the second half of 1951 and 1952: it is not however sure that the motor was always and for both a derived propeller Ardea.
Vici
Around 1950, gentlemen-driver Alexander Vici, rich possidente of Pesaro, acquires one handicraft Benelli lacking in motor and it makes you to probably install a derived Ardea and elaborated motor () from Faccioli Carrozzata “small boat” from Ortolani, the machine comes above all employed in large the race on road that comes organized in various regions of Italy and to which the Vici participate in first person, accompanied hour from P.Rossi, hour from Rinaldo Cardinals, hour from Enrico Adanti. Between he turns out to you, always appreciable, detach two victories of class: that one on beyond 1.000 kilometers of the Turn of Sicily 1952 (where Vici are accompanied from Rinaldo Cardinals) and that one to the Turn of Umbria 1953 (where Vici alternate to the guide with Enrico Adanti)

Tests on the Road

To how much consta, in the years in which the Ardea it is present on the market (cioé between the December of 1939 and the first months of 1953) no periodical of the automotive field public true reports of and own “tests on road” of this small Nozzle. Some impression of guide is brought back in the issue of the month of December 1939 of the beautiful review “Motor Italy”, but the article appears more than other a report of travel flavored from phrases that they praise, in way that even seems exaggerated, all the characteristics of the car, without does not point out to the defect, seppuer minimal. Also the review “Italian Car”, in the dated issue 30 November 1939, speaks about the behavior on road of the Ardea, but also in this case, where however the praises do not lack, signal to cronometrici replies or others is not made rilevamenti.
In recent age, instead, the very famous one and quoted review of the field of age motoring - Ruoteclassiche - publish on the issue number 93 (March 1996) the report of a short test on road, with a lot of turn out you of the surveys, carried out to flying of one “the quarter constructed series” in the 1951.
We bring back of continuation the values more interessanti
The maximum speed: km/h 103,305 in IV marcia
Acceleration on the kilometer from detention: 46,2”, Kmh average 77,922 (speeds of escape Kmh 101,300)
Acceleration 0-100: 42,3” (21,6” from 0 to 80 - 10,5” from 0 to 60 - 4,7” from 0 to 40)
Resumption in quarter march: 1 kilometer with departure from 40 Kmh, distance in 52,6”, Km/h average 68.441 (with one speeds of escape of Km/h 100,500)
Spaces of refrained: 60 meters 23,6 to Km/h, 80 meters 42,5 to Km/h and 100 meters 67,8 to Km/h.

Ardea production, for model and year

Ardea Production Data
	Sedans				Mod. Taxi	Deriv. 4 marce		Deriv. 5 marce
Years	the series	II series	III series	IV series		Furgonc	Camionc	Furg/Camionc	Total for year
1939	5	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	5
1940	1820	---	---	---	46	---	---	---	1866
1941	1167	235	---	---	424	9	---	---	1835
1942	---	501	---	---	31	---	---	---	532
1943	---	78	---	---	---	---	---	---	78
1944	---	11	---	---	---	---	---	---	11
1945	---	3	---	---	---	47	---	---	50
1946	---	566	---	---	---	551	---	---	1117
1947	---	1495	---	---	---	1339	---	---	2834
1948	---	1549	860	---	---	710	548	---	3667
1949	---	---	2740	338	---	728	645	202	4653
1950	---	---	---	4127	---	---	---	1243	5370
1951	---	---	---	3894	---	---	---	1114	5008
1952	---	---	---	3321	---	---	---	1258	4579
1953	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	320	320
Total for models	2992	4438	3600	11680	501	3384	1193	4137	31925 (**)

Notes for above chart:
Sedans
According to the over-brought back data, the total of the Sedans riulta of 22.710 units (2992 first series, 4438 second series, 3600 third series and 11680 quarter series) while second the progressive numeration (than part from 250-1001 and arrives to the 250-23730) total would turn out of 22.730 units (given brought back also very many sources). It is possible that these 20 units correspond to the 20 gone destroyed (or remarkablly damaged and therefore demolished) during aerial strafings that hit the plant Nozzle to the end of the 1942.
Taxi
According to other sources (and second the progressive numeration, that it goes from the 450-1001 to the 450-1511) the constructed exemplary would be 10 in more (511 instead than 501)
Small vans and vans
According to the over-brought back data, the total of the Small vans and Vans turns out of 8714 units (3384 small vans to 4 marce, 1193 vans to 4 marce, 4137 between small vans and vans to 5 marce); other sources give, for version 5 marce, 4153 pieces, are shared in 3746 vans and 407 small vans; the difference é therefore of 16 units. To still specify that the progressive numerations correspond to this last data, from the moment that, for the small vans, leaves from 550-1001 and finishes with the 550-8130, while for the vans the numeration goes from 650-1001 to 650-2600, for a total therefore of 8.730 pezzi.
(**) general Total
According to other sources, the total would turn out advanced of 46 units, catching up a total of 31.971 pieces (22,730 sedans, 511 rates, 8,730 between small vans and vans).
The fact goes at last marked that these totals do not include the chassises of type 350 of which the produced amount is ignored effectively: draft, in any case, of least units .

The Various Versions in Synthesis

Sedan first series (mod. 250)

An unusual inquadratura of one of first Ardea (1939)

• Period of production : from 1 9 December 1939 to October 1941
  • Model type 250, sedan 4 doors, 4 places
  • Motor: type 100
  • Numeration of the chassis: from 250-1001 to 250-3992
  • Produced Units: 2.992
  • Characteristic main: motor : front to 4 cylinders to V of 902,58 cm3, power 28,8 HP to 4.600 turns, valves in head; auto body : sedan (4 doors, 4 lights, 4 places), carrying auto body, front suspension to independent wheels, posterior suspension to rigid axle; transmission with traction to the posterior wheels, change to 4 rapporti+retromarcia; dimensions and weight : step cm 244, length cm 361,5, width cm 138, weight in order of march Kg 780 approximately; speed max : beyond Km/h 105

Strumentazione and commandos of the Ardea first series (1939)

In November 1939, the Ardea comes “introduced” the Head of the Italian Government, Benito Mussolini, in anteprima.
The pre series version differs from which of them little it will come immessa on the market in least secondary particular (goblets chromium plated wheels, circles wheel with 14 holes instead of the 12 of the definitive version, less long grigliatura mudguard and support posterior lights of arrest of inferior dimensions).

The essential characteristics of this new product Nozzle are: motor to 4 cylinders to V of 903 cmc, distributing 28,8 HP to 4600 turns to the minute, distribution to an axis to cams centers them and valves in head tilted, carrying auto body, front change to 4 relationships ahead, suspensions second by now the classic arranges Nozzle (independent wheels with vertical cannocchiali incorporating the molloni helicoidal and hydraulic shocks-absorber concentrate), retrotreno with rigid bridge and longitudinal crossbows, auto body to us that others is not if not the copy reduced of that one of the Aprilia (therefore with a good aerodynamic coefficient), excellent performances (more than 100 km. hour of the maximum speed, consumptions reduced and shining dowries of acceleration, also thanks to the reduced total weight of the vehicle).
The assembly of the first copy, on completed auto body 30 November, begins 1° December 1939, but the first Ardea, number of chassis 250-1001, leaves the factory for the test 14 December 1939. In December 1939 they come constructed (completed) 5 exemplary, while the sales begin in January 1940. This first Ardea series comes constructed, without relief modifications, until 9 October 1941, when lascerà the place to the new series, the second one.

second Sedan series (mod. 250)

• Period of production : from 10 October 1941 to 4 August 1948
  • Model type 250, sedan 4 doors, 4 places
  • Motor: type 100 (100 To from the taleio 250-7130)
  • Numeration of the chassis: from 250-3993 to 250-8430
  • Produced Units: 4438
  • Characteristic main: motor : front to 4 cylinders to V of 902,58 cm3, power 28,8 HP to 4.600 turns, valves in head; auto body : sedan (4 doors, 4 lights, 4 places), carrying auto body, front suspension to independent wheels, posterior suspension to rigid axle; transmission with traction to the posterior wheels, change to 4 rapporti+retromarcia; dimensions and weight : step cm 244, length cm 361,5, width cm 138, weight in order of march Kg 780 approximately; speed max : beyond Km/h 105

In spite of infuriating of the world-wide conflict, from 10 October 1941 new series begins to exit from the factory the Ardea of one (the second one), than it is distinguished from the version begins them exclusively for a modification - some say suggested quite from Vittorio Jano - regarding the shop of the baggage car. In the first series, in fact, the baggages had to be arrange to you approaching from the nside and the small hatch of tail only served in order to extract the spare wheel: in this Ardea new, instead, the hatch é of greater dimensions (similar therefore to that one of the Aprilia) and from it can be so much approached the spare wheel as far as the space bagagli.
the production of Ardea, practically suspended in' 44-' 45, resumes with one sure 13 regolarità February 1946. More or less from that day (and however beginning from the chassis the 250-4848) refraining system, than up to now was of the Lockheed, comes replaced with the Sabif.
In January 1948, from the car with chassis 250-6925, vienme modified the tank of feeding of the sosopensione anteriore.
From the car with chassis 250-7130 (24 January 1948) instead more substantial variations (to the point are recorded that, second someone, the second series would begin just from the 250-7130); eccone the detail:
the motor, that it assumes acronym 100 To, has a modified head and a light lessening of the value of the compression ratio (from 6,00:1 to 5,80:1)
Il Zenith carburetor is leggermente various and assumes hour the 30 denomination VIML3
the tension of the system electrical worker comes capacity from 6 to 12 Volt, and consequently Ah varies the members electrical workers (the battery passes from 60 to 38, the spinterogeno a Marelli S47A-12 is hour volt while the Marelli dynamo from 90 Watt, is in its turn new and has hour denomination DN12A - 90/12 - 2000 D).
to the retrotreno, they come replaced the snubbers with that Houdaille hydraulic.

Sedan third series (mod. 250)

One of 3/4 of the third Ardea series

The tail of a third series Ardea that contours the widening of the rear window and the absence of the “rib” centers that covered the cowling, roof and tail of the car

• Period of production : from 5 August 1948 to [[the 15] November] 1949
  • Model type 250, sedan 4 doors, 4 places
  • Motor: type 100 To
  • Numeration of the chassis: from 250-8431 to 250-12030
  • Produced Units: 3600
  • Characteristic main: motor : front to 4 cylinders to V of 902,58 cm3, power 28,8 HP to 4.600 turns, valves in head; auto body : sedan (4 doors, 4 lights, 4 places), carrying auto body, front suspension to independent wheels, posterior suspension to rigid axle; transmission with traction to the posterior wheels, change to 5 rapporti+retromarcia; dimensions and weight : step cm 244, length cm 361,5, width cm 138, weight in order of march Kg 780 approximately; speed max : approximately Km/h 105

5 August 1948 begins the production of the third series, that september of the same one comes then exposed to the Hall of the automobile of Turin of the 15 anno.
True ghiotta the innovation is given from the adoption of the change of speed to 5 relationships, in which the fifth march it is surmoltiplicata. Constructively, the gears of the fifth march are arrange to you to back of the normal previous change. At the same time to the adoption of the new change, it comes reduced the final relationship of reduction to the bridge, that 4,875:1 (8/39 is hour of 5,10:1 (10/51) conntro previous).
The posterior bridge endures other modifications: support differentiates reinforced them, increase of the diameter of the ipoide crown, new system of assembly of the starter shaft pinion. Other technical improvements regard the front suspensions, those posterior ones (adopt Sabif shocks-absorber to you in place of the Houdaille) and the steering (redesigned the group to screw).
Other variations that can be defined as smaller they regard some improvement to the propeller (between which the maggiorazione of the diameter of the crank hinges and the adoption of connecting rods in printed special steel instead that in duralluminio) the widening of the rear window and the abolition of the “rib” they “to crest” centers that existed on the roof and the cover of the baggage car. A most light modification to the directional baton arrows is found also, than hour they are in inox (more in ink with the auto body) and are not of leggermente various Foggia.

Berlina quarter series (mod. 250)

• Period of production : from 16 November 1949 to the end of the 1952
  • Model type 250, sedan 4 doors, 4 places
  • Motor: type 100 B
  • Numeration of the chassis: from 250-12031 to 250-23730
  • Produced Units: 11700
  • Characteristic main: motor : front to 4 cylinders to V of 902,58 cm3, power 30 HP to 4.600 turns, valves in head; auto body : sedan (4 doors, 4 lights, 4 places), carrying auto body, front suspension to independent wheels, posterior suspension to rigid axle; transmission with traction to the posterior wheels, change to 5 rapporti+retromarcia; dimensions and weight : step cm 244, length cm 364,5, width cm 138, weight in order of march Kg 780 approximately; speed max : Km/h 105

The last Ardea series is distinguished externally by the rubber applied to the bumpers

A Lancia Ardea quarter series

Cockpit and instrumentation of the last Ardea series: the sun differences regarding the previous series consists in the various Foggia of flying and in the positions of the change, hour to 5 marce; to notice also that it is the new one flying, it is the knurls of the change and of the ash tray they are of clear color

Eccoci joints to the last version of the Ardea, the quarter series, been born to the half of November of the 1949
The salienti modifications regard the propeller, in which an increment of power (30 HP against 28,8) thanks to the new head and the new carburetor, the new bumpers with the median rib brought back and the application of a protection in rubber is recorded above all (that the length of the car) and some inner improvements to (the new one increase of 3 cm flying of guide, etc)
This the almost complete directory of the brought modifications and that they differentiate the quarter series from third:
- new motor head, hour in aluminum (rather than cast iron) with centers valves brought back, in bronzo
- increase of the number of “captive” the so-called dice that fix the head to the group Cilindri
- threads longer candles (mounted Marelli CW 175 F or the Champion N8, in previous place of 145 Marelli MW T7)
- increment from 5,80:1 to 6,70:1 the value of the rapprto of compressione
- increase of the maximum power, from 28,8 to 30 HP
- canes cylinders in poroso material (special cast iron)
- bench supports rinforzati
- hardening of the tree motore
- modified the system tendicatena of the tree of the distribuzione
- adoption of a new carburetor (Solex 26AIC to the place of the previous Zenith 30 VIML 3)
- it improves the inner culverts to you of the collector of aspirazione
- variation of the final relationship of reduction, that it passes from 5,1:1 (51/10) to 5,3:1 (53/10)
- cooling system: increased the capacity of the water pump (by means of modification of the impeller of the pump same) and improved the sent culvert of to the pompa
- tube of the noise suppressor of the drainage rendered more “free”
- small improvements to the change of velocità
- modification to the hydraulic cylinders and the stocks of the freni
- popsteriori suspensions: sagacities actions to reduce the noisiness in case of insufficient lubrificazione
- new flying of guide (color black ivory rather than), having the free advanced half from razze waves to improve the visibility of the instruments of the cruscotto
- inner knurls of commando of the change and posacenere of color ivory rather than neri
- goblets wheels of new disegno
- bumper with new median rib brought back and application of one protection in gomma
- modification to the curtain of the light posteriore
- new range colors and new tapestries (edge of the selleria and handles in woven plastic rather than in)
To notice that some of sopraelencate the smaller modifications “of auto body” seem they have been brought already to the last exemplary of the III serie.
The production of the Ardea sedan still stops to the end of 1952 (the sopravviverà Small van some month), in order to leave the place its heir, the Appia, that it will come introduced to the Hall of the automobile of Turin in you open it them of 1953.

Autotelaio (mod. 350)

• Period of production : indicatively, biennium 1940-1941
  • Model type 350, chassis-pianale for “specially built”
  • Motor: type 100
  • Numeration of the chassis: from 350-1001 to… (given not available)
  • Produced Units: data not available
  • Characteristic main: motor : front to 4 cylinders to V of 902,58 cm3, power 28,8 HP to 4.600 turns, valves in head; chassis : to platform, front suspension to independent wheels, posterior suspension to rigid axle; transmission with traction to the posterior wheels, change to 4 rapporti+retromarcia; dimensions and weight : step cm 244, weight to cuoto Kg. 465; speed max : approximately Km/h 100-110 to second of the adopted auto body.

Like by now consolidated custom in house Nozzle, also in the event of the Ardea the Turinese factory thinks to prepare one special platform chassis (type 350) to outside assign to the carriage makers for the versions series. The reduced dimensions and the “same class” of the chassis render but the inidoneo product to the scope, for which indeed least they will be the Ardea realized on this mechanical base. It is not not even sure that the little semplari of Ardea “outside series” realizes from Pininfarina (in version cabriolet) and from Zagato (an only copy to you of the panoramic type “berlinetta”) has been constructed leaving from this chassis: some sources assume in fact that these creations have quite used pianali of the version “taxi”.
In any case, it is not given to know how many chassises “350” have been realizes to you. Also the exact period in which these pianali they have been available is uncertain: more, moreover, they indicate single biennium 1940-41

Rome Rates (mod. 450)

• Period of production : 1940-1942
  • Model type 450, sedan to 6-7 places for public service of public square (rates)
  • Motor: type 100
  • Numeration of the chassis: from 450-1001 to 450-1511
  • Produced Units: 511 (second some sources 501)
  • Characteristic main: motor : front to 4 cylinders to V of 902,58 cm3, power 28,8 HP to 4.600 turns, valves in head; auto body : sedan-rates (4 doors, 6 lights, 6-7 places), platform chassis, front suspension to independent wheels, posterior suspension to rigid axle; transmission with traction to the posterior wheels, change to 4 rapporti+retromarcia; dimensions and weight : step cm 295, length cm 446,5, width cm 156,5, weight in order of march Kg 1070 approximately; speed max : approximately Km/h 90

On ending of 1940 to the sedan one places side by side to the version “Rates” defined also like 450-Rome type. Characterized from an antiquated line, this version comes realized abandoning the structure carrying and using a chassis to pianale of dimensions (step and track) greater regarding the sedan, for the obvious necessity to offer one better habitability to the passengers. The motor (and the mechanics generally) are evidently those of the sedan, made exception for the final relationship of demoltiplicazione of the transmission (with greater reduction, therefore more “short”), for the measure (increased) of Rims and rubbers, for the increased ability to the tank of the fuel and for the clean reduction of the performances - smaller speeds, acceleration and resumption and greater consumption - imputable to the greater weight (approximately 300 Kg in more, par to d an increase nearly 40%!!).
Of this all added not entusiasmante version, costtruiti come, in three years 1940-1942, little more than 500 units. 1941, however, the year in which from the factory exemplary (424 for the exactitude exit nearly all). The total produced pieces number would be 511, from the moment that the numeration begins from the 450-1001 and finished with the 450-1511, but second other sources the effective production would turn out 501 units.

Small van and Ambulance (mod. 550)

The Ardea small van equipped like an ambulance

• Period of production : 1945-1953 (more 9 exemplary in 1941)
  • Model type 550, small van for transport goodses or equipped like ambulance-ambulance
  • Motor: type 100 N-100 A-100 B
  • Numeration of the chassis: from 550-1001 to 550-8130
  • Produced Units: 7130 (second some sources 7114)
  • Characteristic main: motor : front to 4 cylinders to V of 902,58 cm3, power 25 HP to 4500 turns (from chassis 250-3171 passes to 28,8 HP to 4600 turns and from chassis 250-4385 it arrives to 30 HP to 4600 gitri), valves in head; auto body : small van or ambulance (2 lateral doors more a posterior door, in tail), capacity of the small van 2 800 persons + Kg of goods, carrying auto body, front suspension to independent wheels, posterior suspension to rigid axle; transmission with traction to the posterior wheels, change to 4 rapporti+retromarcia (from chassis 550-4385 to 5 rapporti+retromarcia); dimensions and weight : step cm 250, length cm 404, width cm 164, weight in order of march of the small van Kg 930 approximately (Kg the 1060 ambulance); speed max : approximately Km/h 80-85 (to second of the final relationship to of reduction adopted).

It seems that in 1941, full war, the Nozzle has constructed 9 “furgoncici” with Ardea mechanics; of sure there is that the sale of this fortunate version trades begins seriously them in the immediate post-war period, in the second half of 1945 (the numeration begins, in the' 45, from 550-1010). The Ardea small van - whose denomination of factory is type 550 but that it comes also pubblicizzato as “800” to indicate the capacity in kilograms - naturally adopts the mechanics of base of the sedan, opportunely adapted and modified. One characteristic worthy of relief: the Ardea small van is between first in absolute to being realized “to auto body carrying” and not with the usual classic and antiquated “separate chassis”
Initially, this small van “4 marce” is fortified of the system electrical worker to 6 volt, subsequently (from the chassis 550-3171, year 1948)) it is passed - like for the sedan - to the 12 volt. To the end of 1949 (from chassis 550-4385). also the small van comes fortified of change to 5 rapporti.
Many Ardea small vans have been equip to you to ambulance-ambulance and as such it commercializes to you from the Lancia.
net The last small van leaves the factory in the course of the 1953.

Van (mod. 650)

• Period of production : june 1948-1951 (estimated)
  • Model type 650, van for transport goodses
  • Motor: type 100 To (from the chassis 650-1001 to the 650-2193) - type 100 B (from chassis 650-2194 to 650-2600)
  • Numeration of the chassis: from 650-1001 to 650-2600
  • Produced Units: 1600
  • Characteristic main: motor : front to 4 cylinders to V of 902,58 cm3, power 28,8 HP to 4600 turns (from chassis 650-2194 passes to 30 HP to 4600 gitri), valves in head; auto body : van (2 lateral doors more the cassone), capacity 2 800 persons + Kg of goods, carrying auto body, front suspension to independent wheels, posterior suspension to rigid axle; transmission with traction to the posterior wheels, change to 4 rapporti+retromarcia (from chassis 650-2194 to 5 rapporti+retromarcia); dimensions and weight : step cm 250, length cm 410, width cm 156, weight in order of march Kg 930 approximately; speed max : approximately Km/h 80-85 (to second of the final relationship to of reduction adopted).

In the june of 1948 the range Ardea is become larger and, to the sedan and the small van, “van” comes to join to the version. The Ardea van - whose denomination of factory is type 650 but that it comes also pubblicizzato as “800” to indicate the capacity in kilograms - adopts the mechanics of the small van, from which it inherits also the auto body portante.
The van is born with the system electrical worker to 12 Volt and with the change to 4 marce. To the end of 1949 (from chassis 650-2194). also the van comes fortified of change to 5 rapporti.
The production of the van arrests before that one of the small van (some sources indicates 1952 was the last year of production, but it's probable that the construction stopped between 1950 and 1951).

• 1946 Lancia Ardea 1.jpg

  1946 Lancia Ardea

• 1946 Lancia Ardea 2.jpg
• 1946 Lancia Ardea 3.jpg
• 1946 Lancia Ardea 4.jpg
• 1946 Lancia Ardea 5.jpg
• 1946 Lancia Ardea 6.jpg

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  1950 Lancia Ardea Source

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1940–1980 Lancia Post War
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Type	1940s										1950s										1960s										1970s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Family car	... Ardea														Appia										Fulvia
	... Aprilia																																	Beta / Trevi (828)
Executive car																						Flavia										2000					Gamma (830)
Coupé																								Fulvia Coupé/Sport
																																	Beta Coupé/Spider/ Montecarlo (828)
											Aurelia								Flaminia																		Gamma Coupé/GT (830)
Sports car																							Stratos
Racing car														D23/D24		D50