1958 Lancia Aurelia

The Lancia Aurelia was designed by Gianni Lancia and Vittorio Jano. It was the world's first series-production automobile powered by a V-6 engine, the work of Francesco de Virgilio. The engine was an all-alloy unit with pushrod-actuated overhead valves and hemispherical combustion chambers. The Aurelia had near-perfect weight distribution afforded by its rear transaxle assembly, incorporating a rear-mounted clutch-gearbox-differential, while inboard rear brakes reduced unsprung weight.

The Aurelia was introduced in 1950 and remained in production for nine years, evolving from the original sedan version into sporting coupes, culminating in an open two-seater variant introduced in 1954. Numerous chassis improvements were introduced during this time, including engine displacement increases and the adoption of a De Dion rear axle.

Ghia stylist Felice Mario Boano sculpted the B20 GT fastback coupe bodywork with refinements by Pinin Farina, which took over B20 GT production completely with the arrival of the Series 2 for 1952. The 1955 B24 Spider America was a U.S.-market exclusive which was, in turn, succeeded by the B24S convertible in 1956. Only 521 B24S convertibles were made. The cabriolet body style was introduced in 1956, offering an improved soft top, complete with roll-up side windows and vent wings. Lancia's signature grille was carefully blended by Pinin Farina into a graceful design devoid of excessive ornamentation. A one-piece chrome bumper replaced the split bumper

In competition, the B20 GT finished 2nd with Giovanni Bracco and Umberto Maglioli at the 1951 Mille Miglia, followed up by a class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. At the 1952 Targa Florio, a trio of B20 GT models enjoyed a podium sweep. A victory was earned in the grueling Liege-Rome-Liege Rally of 1953.

The car was given several significant changes by 1953's third series which included a displacement increase to nearly 2.5 liters, followed by the replacement of the original semi-trailing-arm rear suspension with a deDion arrangement from Series 4 onwards. The fourth-series Aurelia was introduced in 1954 and introduced a more thorough restyling than previous years, along with left-hand drive production, and from 1954 through 1958, all left-hand drive examples would be dubbed 'S' (for sinistra), clearly denoting their export-market specification. By 1957, when the sixth and final-series cars arrived, engines had been tuned for additional torque and improved drivability. The sixth-series B20 GT was distinguished by roll-up windows, a triangular quarter vent window,, improved sound deadening, and a larger 2.5-liter, all-alloy V-6 engine with Weber 40 DCL5 carburetors.

In total, there were just 3,781 Aurelia B20 GTs produced.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2019