Lancia Motor Club

Model Technical and Interest => Aprilia, Ardennes and Ardea => Topic started by: chugga boom on 19 September, 2013, 05:56:54 PM



Title: STUNNED
Post by: chugga boom on 19 September, 2013, 05:56:54 PM
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  :o 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!!!


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: Richard Fridd on 19 September, 2013, 06:33:51 PM
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


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: simonandjuliet on 19 September, 2013, 06:37:58 PM
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  ;)


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: rogerelias on 19 September, 2013, 09:12:49 PM
The first car I travelled in when born was an Aprilia, but can't remember anything about it  ::) , glad you enjoyed the drive


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: chugga boom on 20 September, 2013, 07:12:11 AM
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


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: davidwheeler on 20 September, 2013, 09:18:56 AM
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.


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: lancialulu on 20 September, 2013, 01:17:35 PM
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!!


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: chugga boom on 20 September, 2013, 07:35:43 PM
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  ;)


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: lancialulu on 21 September, 2013, 12:11:02 PM
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!


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: ben on 22 September, 2013, 11:15:53 AM
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.


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: brian on 25 September, 2013, 05:56:28 PM
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!


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: simonandjuliet on 25 September, 2013, 06:46:17 PM
I can't believe anything has a better gearbox than an Aprilia ..... I must try and find an Augusta/Belna to try !


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: Richard Fridd on 25 September, 2013, 06:49:58 PM
I like this one in particular


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: ben on 26 September, 2013, 12:05:01 AM
Excellent choice!

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

                               Ben


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: Richard Fridd on 26 September, 2013, 05:42:25 AM
I liked the overall appearance


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: chugga boom on 26 September, 2013, 10:42:47 AM
Beginning to worry that I may not get my car back!

Impressions - Augusta gearbox probably better with freewheel: steering/handling on a par:
Brian wait until you drive it now :o gearbox is now sorted and "as slick" as an augusta box , handling has dramatically changed after doing a full service and filling up the axle oil levels etc, the car just keeps getting better and better, as for not getting it back...........i'll loan it to you  ;) has to be said its probably my favourite Lancia now and I struggle to put into words how amazing to drive these little cars are


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: JohnMillham on 26 September, 2013, 03:23:24 PM
Much as I like the Augusta gearbox (apart from the noise) I have to admit that the Aprilia is probably a bit better. Most strangers to Aprilias assume they have synchromesh!
Regards, John


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: Lapsed Cesare Ferrari on 26 September, 2013, 07:31:26 PM
My Aprilia, which I have only had for eighteen months, just took me to the Lancia Club France rally in Normandy and put in 750 miles or so. I had no issues arising. The more I drive her the more she reveals her capabilities. I live in west London, and it is a marvellous thing to have a Lancia that is at the same time truly historic and thoroughly useable.
Ciao a tutti
Cesare


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: brian on 09 November, 2013, 02:35:40 PM
Right then!
Aprilia vs Augusta gearbox.
Now had a chance to drive a few hundred miles in Aprilia with Augusta episodes.
I think for me the difference is that the gear stick of the Aprilia is slightly further away from the driver and so shoulder needs in medical terms more abduction and extension. IE I need to reach further and as I have had reconstructive surgery to the muscles and tendons around the left shoulder I have reduced mobility there.
So, for me, the Augusta has everything in the right place but first and to some extent third is more of a reach in the Aprilia. I do like the freewheel on the Augusta and it has made me a bit lazier.

Otherwise - impressions are that the Aprilia does behave more like a modern car and the extra MPH do help.
Next week I am off to the trimmers to sort out the style of door panels and seats - I will be armed with photos from the Forum of various cars and will guided by him as well. He did a brilliant job on the front seat of the B10. Impossible to see what he did.
So in the Spring I hope to have both a sorted and very tidy car.

The colour is much admired by folk and they say suits the car well but perhaps I only have polite friends. Also can now drive with greated sense of security as have a mirror on the door frame.

Brian


Title: Re: STUNNED
Post by: chugga boom on 09 November, 2013, 11:29:18 PM
I still miss your car  :( but i'm glad your pleased and look forward to seeing the interior