Its unusually short bonnet reportedly contained the smallest V4 engine ever commercialized in a small family car.

[3] In 1949 they were upgraded to fourth series specifications (5-speed gearbox and more powerful 101B engine), and continued to be built until they were superseded by equivalent versions of the Appia in 1954.

Unlike on the earlier Augusta, whose commercial variants were bodied by third-party coachbuilders, these Ardeas were factory-built by Lancia.

[3] The Tassì Roma, chassis type 450, was an Ardea derivative with special 6-window saloon body, intended for use as a taxicab.

It paired the Ardea's running gear with a larger chassis (longer 2,950 mm or 116.1 in wheelbase and wider tracks) which allowed for better passenger accommodation.