1952 Lancia Aurelia GT Coupe

The Lancia Aurelia was launched in 1950 at the Turin Auto Show. At the time of its introduction, it was the most advanced automobile on the market, with its innovative semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension, four-speed transaxle, and the first use of a V6 engine in a production car. It was also the first car to be fitted with radial tires as standard equipment.

The all-aluminum V6 engine was the work of two great engineers, Francesco de Virgilio, and Vittorio Jano. It employs a 60-degree v-angle and a central camshaft with short pushrods for balance and compactness.

The well-configured chassis was balanced by locating the transaxle and inboard rear drum brakes close to the vehicle's centerline, under a unitary body. The 4-wheel independent suspension was achieved through Lancia's proven sliding pillars at the front and trailing arms at the rear.

The Berlina (sedan) bodywork was followed a year later by the sport B20GT Coupe. It came equipped with a more powerful engine installed in a lighter and shorter chassis. The 2 + 2 coachwork, attributed to Felice Mario Boano, was initially built by Carrozzeria Viotti but production was soon transferred to Pinin Farina.

Many consider the B20GT as the world's first Gran Turismo.

The car's sporty persona was reinforced with Giovanni Bracco's second place in the 1951 Mille Miglia. In the 1951 event, B20s took three of the first seven places, and in the 1952 Mille Miglia, four of the first eight.

The Early B20s are significantly different in appearance than later models. Visual differences include their rounded tail fins, streamlined headlights, pivoting door handles and other fascinating details.

All B20 GTs through the first three series are right-hand drive.

This Aurelia rested for many years in Italy until a comprehensive two-year restoration was completed in late 2016. Its known history dates back to 1972 when it was seized and subsequently auctioned by the Italian Customs authorities after being used for smuggling into Switzerland. At the Customs auction, the car received a second VIN number. Documentation from the Fiat Archivio e Centro Storico confirms that the car retains of its original numbered components.

In 2017, the car was air shipped from England and then successfully completed the 2017 California Mille.

This B20GT is powered by an overhead valve, an all-alloy V6 engine fitted with two Weber Twin-Choke carburetors. The engine produces 80 horsepower and is mated to a four-speed manual transaxle.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2017