In 1949, just six Lancia Ardea were imported to the UK, and the car we offer here, KYO7 is particularly special. As it’s believed to have been the Earl’s Court Motor Show car, standing today as elegant as then, complete with the original leather interior – a real luxury of the day the other five having cloth interiors. One of the other car’s reportedly competed at the new Goodwood circuit in 1949.

This impressive car has led a charmed life – owners have included Steady Baker, as featured in the Automobile Magazine in August 2014, more recently residing in the private collection Wayne Kelham, of the famed Thornly-Kelham Restoration. We can confirm this car has not been ‘outlawed’ and stand in her original specification.

Propulsion is from a 903cc V4 engine rated at 30 bhp. As a 4^th series car, it benefited from a 5-speed gearbox, and a lower first gear for getting out of city junctions. The sliding-pillar front suspension provides a class-leading turning circle, for effortless parking - great for city centres. The lack of a B pillar in the door opening makes total sense for a small car, and the passenger compartment is very accessible and looks huge with both doors open. The boot is very spacious for the size of car and comes complete with a full-size spare!

Recently released from the Kelham, and now placed in our hands for sale, this car oozes charm and will doubtless continue to turn heads in the hands of the next custodian. Given that historic cars are exempt from the ULEZ which is rapidly becoming the trend in our cities, this little Ardea makes a great deal of sense and is simply a perfect daily historic driver.

£20,500.