1958 Lancia Aurelia Coupe

The Italian-based Lancia Company has a history that dates back over 100 years ago. It built a strong reputation inside the sporting community where its automobiles proved more than capable at capturing victories and outpacing competition. They have competed in many different type of auto racing, ranging from Formula 1 to World Rally Championships.

The company began from humble beginnings. Vincenzo Lancia worked as a bookkeeper in an automobile factory and eventually worked his way up to chief inspector at Fiat. He had success as a race car driver and later founded Lancia & Cie, Fabbrica Automobili in 1906.

The humble beginnings continued to their first vehicle, which was destroyed by fire. Persistence prevailed, and soon the Lancia Company was supplying their innovative automobiles.

During the close of the 1940s, Vincenzo's son Gianni, along with help from Vittorio Jano, unveiled anew range of V6 Aurelia models. The 1754cc overhead engine produced 56 horsepower which was sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed gearbox. In the early 1950s, the Aurelia range expanded with the introduction of a 1991cc engine that produced 75 horsepower. It was the B20 Aurelia GT Coupe, and a total of six series of the B20GT would follow during its seven-year production lifespan.

The 2nd Series introduced an enlarged 2.5-liter engine. The fifth and sixth series saw a slight decrease in horsepower, and beginning with the 4th series, life-hand-drive became available. The 6th Series was introduced in 1958 and by this point in history the V6 engine was rated at 112 horsepower. Together with a DeDion rear axle and performance features gained through a lifetime of racing and development, the B20 GT was a refined sports car. It was capable enough to capture victories at LeMans, the Targa-Florio, Mille Miglia, and Monte Carlo.

Equally as impressive were the vehicle's aesthetics. It was designed by the legendary Italian coachbuilder Pinin Farina. By the 6th series, the design had become very streamlined and aerodynamic.

This Lancia B20 Aurelia Grand Turismo Coupe was a California car that was treated to a restoration since new. It is finished in dark blue paintwork with the interior being tan hides, fresh carpet, and chrome fittings.

There were 3,141 examples of the Aurelia B20 GT Coupe created; a mere 190 were of the 6th Series. In 2008 this car was brought to the Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $95,000 - $125,000 and offered without reserve. The winning bid was slightly higher than the estimates, selling for $129,250.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008