1930 Lancia Dilambda Cabriolet by Carlton Carriage Co. for Sale: Gray and Blue One-Off V8 Cabriolet
The 1930 Lancia Dilambda Cabriolet by Carlton Carriage Co. combines coachbuilt presence with a 3,958cc narrow-angle V8 and four-speed manual transmission. Finished in light gray and blue over Blue leather, it reflects the two-tone color scheme said to have been specified when new. Equipment includes a single updraft carburetor, Rudge-Whitworth wire wheels, sliding-pillar front suspension, mechanically actuated drum brakes, burl wood interior accents, and a Blue convertible top. Refurbished under current ownership, it also carries event history, documentation and long-distance touring credentials.
View the official listing below.
1930 Lancia Dilambda Cabriolet by Carlton Carriage Co. for sale
Engine and Performance
Power comes from a 3,958cc gasoline narrow-angle V8 fed by a single updraft carburetor. A four-speed manual transmission keeps clutch operation, engine speed, and deliberate gear selection central to the driving experience. The drivetrain reflects prewar engineering ambition while remaining straightforward. Its combination of V8 torque and manual control suits touring, vintage rallies, and long-distance events.
Engineering and Specifications
Rudge-Whitworth wire wheels support the period chassis, while Lancia’s sliding-pillar front suspension provides a distinctive engineering feature. Mechanically actuated drum brakes supply stopping power at all four wheels, preserving period character. The steel bodywork is wrapped over a wood framework, and the current-ownership refurbishment included body repairs informed by historical photographs sourced from descendants of the original owner.
Design and Heritage
The one-off Carlton cabriolet coachwork gives the Dilambda a profile with long hood, sweeping fenders, running boards, and an elegant open cabin. Light gray and blue paint, Blue leather, burl wood accents, and a matching Blue convertible top create a formal presentation. After several color changes during its life, the car was returned to a gray-and-blue scheme during the refurbishment, echoing the reported original specification.
Driving Experience
The narrow-angle V8 and four-speed manual reward deliberate inputs, smooth clutch work, and careful gear selection. Sliding-pillar front suspension, wire wheels, mechanical drum brakes, and prewar dimensions create a driving experience rooted in period technique. Its 2022 cross-country journey demonstrates serious touring use, while its open cabriolet body makes scenic routes appealing.
Why This Car is Special
- One-off cabriolet coachwork by Carlton gives the car a coachbuilt identity.
- The 3,958cc narrow-angle V8 and four-speed manual represent sophisticated prewar Lancia engineering.
- The current-ownership refurbishment returned the exterior to a light gray and blue presentation.
- A 2021 Coppa d'Oro Trophy and 2022 Pebble Beach third-in-class result add notable concours history.
- A hardbound history book, Mille Miglia eligibility certificate, FIFA and ASI identification cards, and cross-country touring record strengthen provenance.
Specifications
- Engine: 3,958cc gasoline narrow-angle V8 with a single updraft carburetor.
- Transmission: Four-speed manual.
- Wheels and suspension: Rudge-Whitworth wire wheels with sliding-pillar front suspension.
- Brakes and construction: Mechanically actuated drum brakes with steel bodywork over a wood framework.
- Exterior and interior: Light gray and blue paint, Blue leather upholstery, burl wood interior accents, Blue convertible top, and one-off Carlton cabriolet coachwork.
Collector and Enthusiast Appeal
The 1930 Lancia Dilambda Cabriolet by Carlton Carriage Co. combines one-off coachwork, V8 engineering, open touring elegance, and documented event history in an exceptionally distinctive prewar package. Its refurbishment, concours results, cross-country use, historical book, eligibility certificate, and identification cards provide context for collectors. The listing also notes rear-body repairs after a 2022 collision and a sagging right-hand door, giving buyers useful condition information alongside its heritage.
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