1954 Lancia Aurelia Series IV B20 Coupe

The Aurelia is one of the great cars of the fifties, designed by Vittorio Jano, who was responsible for all the great Alfa Romeos, including the Monza and the P3. When the Aurelia was introduced in 1949, it was the most advanced production car in the world – by a considerable margin. 1951 saw the introduction of the B20 GT, with a 2.0 litre engine, shorter wheelbase, and a body styled by Pinin Farina. Over the years, the Aurelia GT was honed and refined, with bigger and more powerful engines, modified suspension, and better equipment. But in all essentials, it retained its characteristics: it was a very fast, fine-handling, well-made machine that appealed to rich enthusiasts. This particular car is a Series IV and has 118bhp coming from a 2 ½ litre engine (the works B20 had 97bhp). The car underwent a complete restoration in the mid 1990s by La Tillier Coteaux in France.

In 2009, this Lancia was offered for sale at Gooding & Company's auction held at Pebble Beach, California. The lot was estimated to sell for $110,000 - $145,000 but failed to sell.