1952 Lancia Aurelia B52 Coupe Speciale

The Aurelia was Lancia's first new postwar model and was the first series-production car ever to be powered by a V-6 engine. The compact powerplant was the work of Lancia engineer Francesco De Virgilio, an inspired design that continued the company's tradition of innovation and creativity. The chassis was equally advanced, lightweight, and sophisticated, with a multi-link rear suspension and Lancia's sliding-pillar front suspension design.

Production of the Lancia Aurelia began in 1950 and continued through 1958. This particular example wears a coupe body styled by Rodolfo Bonetto and built by Vignale. It is believed that an Alfa Romeo 1900C SS received similar (if not identical) coachwork to this Aurelia.

This 1952 Lancia Aurelia is one of approximately 98 second-series B52 chassis constructed as rolling chassis that were supplied to various coachbuilders with a slightly longer wheelbase than other Aurelia models.

The current owner acquired this Bonetto-designed, Vignale-bodied Lancia Aurelia in Italy in 2017, where it remained for an extensive six-year restoration. The work was completed in 2023, after which it was shown at the Salon Privé Concours d'Elegance held at Blenheim Palace, UK, where it received Best in Class honors.

The 1,991cc OHV alloy V-6 engine has a single twin-choke downdraft carburetor and produces 75 horsepower at 4,500 RPM. There is a four-speed manual transaxle, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes (with the rear being inboard), and a live rear axle with trailing arms and coil springs.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2024