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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 Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: B20S1801

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 Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: B20S 1763
Engine number: B20*5409*

The car was sold new in Florida and then eventually acquired during the 1980s by a collector from Toronto, who in turn sold it in the late 1990s to New Jersey collector Frank Allocca. Under Mr. Allocca's care, the car was given a restoration, the transaxle refurbished, and the vehicle's systems were inspected and freshened as needed.

In 2003, the car was purchased by a New York-based collector. The current owner acquired the car from that individual.

The paint finish is believed to be largely original and the car retains its original Sekurit side glass and rear window. Most of the vehicle's mechanical equipment remains original and intact, with the engine believed to be the vehicle's original matching-numbers unit, complete with its single Weber 40D0L5 twin-choke carburetor and air-cleaner assembly.

This particular car, chassis number 1763, is an original left-hand-drive sixth-series Aurelia B20 GT model. It is one of just 312 examples built for the final 1958 model year.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible by Pininfarina

Vincenzo Lancia was first associated with Fiat, but in 1906 founded his own firm for the manufacture of high-quality, technically-advanced motor cars. Many models were produced over the years, with the much-admired Aurelia debuting in 1950. This innovative model has a V-6 engine with a transaxle driving the rear wheels and inboard rear brakes. Only 521 examples of this beautiful Pininfarina convertible were made.

Coupe by Pininfarina

Recognized by many historians as the first to produce a grand touring automobile, Lancia introduced the B20 Aurelia GT designed by the renowned Vittorio Jano in 1950. It was a sporting version of the Aurelia saloon, offering a motorcar suitable for both daily use and competitive motorsports. A near-stock model finished second to Ferrari in the 1951 Mille Miglia and full factory-prepped race cars scored 1-2 in class and 6th and 8th overall at Le Mans in 1952. That same year, a B20 Aurelia won the Targa Florio and came in 3rd and 5th at the Mille Miglia. A stellar rally car, it is lauded for its pioneering OHV 60-degree V-6 engine with a 4-speed transaxle and unusual sliding-pillar front suspension.

This car was originally sold to a wealthy jeweler in Mexico, where it remained until 1979. It wears unique one-off coachwork by Touring of Milan and was the second to the last Aurelia B20 produced. It is powered by a documented factory replacement engine with Nardi performance upgrades circa 1961.

Convertible by Pininfarina

Fiat race drivers Vincenzo Lancia and Claudio Fogoli founded Lancia Automobiles in 1906. Their first car was the 12 HP Tipo 51. Lancia went on to develop a long and notable history of building distinctive and innovative cars. They can claim many engineering 'firsts,' including the first 5-speed gearbox in a production car and the first production V6 engine.

Other innovations involved the use of independent suspension - at a time when live axles were common practice for both the front and rear. They also pioneered the development of rear transaxles, which were first fitted to the Aurelia and Flaminia. In the early 1950s, the jet age was dawning. America was captivated by this new frontier and vehicle designers in the United States and Europe reflected that in their new designs.

The Aurelia was designed by Vittorio Jano as a grand tourer. It introduced the front engine/rear transmission configuration later used by Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, and others, as well as the first production V6 engine. It included inboard rear brakes to reduce un-sprung weight. Engine size eventually grew from 1.8L to 2.5L. The Aurelia was also the first car to be fitted with radial tires as standard equipment.

It was named after the Via Aurelia, a Roman road leading from Rome to Pisa. The convertible version was introduced in 1956 and featured single-piece chrome bumpers and a wide hood scoop. This car has been in the current owner's family since 1976. It is all-original.

Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: B20S 1832
Engine number: B20N 5498

This Lancia Aurelia B20 GT Series IV Coupe was the 28th to last produced of the B20 GT series. It was a left-hand drive example and was one of 425 examples produced in the final sixth series production run, built between 1957 and 1958. These end-of-the-run GT Coupes were given many comfort features such as roll-up windows, better sound deadening, and a triangular quarter vent window. Mechanical features included the larger 2.5-liter all-alloy V6 engine and the sophisticated De Dion rear axle.

The early history of this car is not fully known, although it appears it led a sheltered life since it left the Lancia Works in 1958. Much of the interior is believed to be original. It is finished in light silver metallic, and the chrome and bright work appear to be largely original and preserved.

The engine is an overhead valve 2451cc V6 engine fitted with a dual-throat Weber carburetor and produces 112 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and 4-wheel drum brakes (inboard at the rear).

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible by Pininfarina
Chassis number: B245 1678
Engine number: 1798

The Lancia Aurelia, the first car to employ a V6 engine, was launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show. Designed during wartime by Francesco de Virgilio, the 1,754cc 60-degree V6 was of all-aluminum construction and used overhead valves operated via short pushrods instead of Lancia's traditional overhead camshafts. The engine was mounted in a chassis of unitary construction, it retained Lancia's 'sliding pillar' independent front suspension, first seen many years ago on the Lambda, but used a semi-trailing-arm layout at the rear, another world first. Also unusual was the transmission, which was comprised of a two-piece prop-shaft and combined gear/rear transaxle on which were mounted the inboard brakes.

The Pinin Farina-styled B20 Coupe followed the B0 saloon a year later. In 1951, the Aurelia engine's displacement increased to 1,991cc and this unit in up-rated form went into the B20. Introduced in 1953, the 3rd and subsequent series B20s were powered by a 2,451cc V6, and this unit was fitted into the B24S Spider launched in 1955, by which time the Aurelia had gained a leaf-sprung De Dion rear axle.

The Lancia Aurelia Spider was intended for sale mainly in the United States, quickly earning the name 'America.' Built on a 2,450 wheels, the B24S was mechanically similar to the 4th Series Aurelia B20, except for different air filters. These were the first Lancia models with left-hand drive as standard ('the 'S' in the type number references 'Sinistra' - left - in Italian).

Production of the Spider America was only in 1955. From 1956, it was succeeded by the more conventional B24S Convertible, mechanically based on the 5th series Aurelia B20.

Although the B24S Convertible looked similar, it was in fact, a total redesign that shared no panels with its predecessor. They had deeper doors with external handles and wind-up windows, flatter windscreen with quarter lights, and one-piece bumpers. It was built on the same short-wheelbase chassis as the Spider and was powered by a slightly less powerful version of the 2,451cc V6 engine. The 110-horsepower unit gave it a top speed of 172 km/h.

This particular Aurelia B24S is largely original. It is finished in grey with red leather upholstery. It was finished on August 30th of 1958. It is believed that this car was purchased new by a father for his son while he attended Harvard University. Ownership was eventually transferred to a large East Coast collector. He acquired it in 1983 and would retain the car for the next 34 years.

This car has the matching numbers for the body, engine, and gear box. It has never been fully restored. It has the original Pelle Rossa upholstery of 1958.

In 2016 it was given $16,000 worth of mechanical service. Prior to the current ownership, it was repainted.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: B20S 1791
Engine number: B20N 3569

Vincenzo Lancia's first car was introduced in 1907. It was a unique and different vehicle that displayed a level of thought and defiance of convention. This would be a hallmark of the Lancia automobiles that would remain with the marque well into the modern era. The company would resume production after World War II with the Aprilia and the smaller Ardea. At the 1950 Turin Motor Show, Lancia introduced the Aurelia, the first car ever to employ a V6 engine. It had been designed in wartime by Francesco de Virgilio and fitted with a 1,754cc 60-degree V6 with an all-aluminum construction. It had overhead valves operated by short pushrods instead of Lancia's traditional overhead camshaft configuration.

The Aurelia used a unitary construction design but retained the company's 'sliding pillar' independent front suspension, first seen on the Lambda. In the back was a semi-trailing-arm layout - another world first. An unconventional gearbox with a two-piece prop-shaft and combined gearbox/rear transaxle on which were mounted the inboard brakes.

The B10 Saloon was joined a year later by the Pinin Farina-styled B20 GT coupe. It had a shortened wheelbase and a fastback 2+2 configuration. The engine had grown to 1,991cc in 1951 and was installed in the B20 GT. With its lightweight design and high gearing, the B20 GT was capable of achieving 100 mph. Its performance capabilities were put on display in 1951 when Giovanni Bracco drove a mildly race-developed B20 GT to a 2nd place finish in the Mille Miglia. Bracco and Umberto Maglioli won the Targa Florio for Lancia in 1952 and in 1954 another B20 won the Monte Carlo Rally.

This particular Lancia Aurelia B20 GT was the 69th to last produced example of the B20 GT. It was delivered as a left-hand drive example and was one of 425 examples produced in the final sixth series production run, built between 1957 and 1958. The sixth series GT Coupes received roll-up windows, better sound-deadening material, and a triangular quarter vent window. Mechanical features included the larger 2.5-liter all-alloy V6 engine and the De Dion rear axle.

This car's early history is not known. It is known to have been owned by California-based collectors in the 1970s. By the 1980s, it was in the car of Mr. Steve Stern of Portola Valley, California. The current caretaker acquired it from Mr. Stern in 1984. By that point, the Lancia had recently received a comprehensive restoration. The purchase was arranged through Bruce Trenery's Emeryville, California-based classic car dealership, Fantasy Junction.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: B24S-1445
Engine number: B24-1554

The first new post-War Lancia product was the Aurelia, beginning with the B10 and ending with the B24 convertible, it was also the first to use a production V-6 engine. The B10 was followed by the larger-engined B21 and B20 GT coupe, both of which rested on a shortened wheelbase. During its production lifespan, the Aurelia was constantly improved and updated, with the fourth series being introduced in 1954, wearing a complete redesign. For the first time, left-hand drive was made available, and these cars were marked by an S, for sinestra. The B24 Spider America was also produced in 1954 and intended for the United States market.

The B24 Spider America was followed by the B24 convertible. It had roll-down windows, a durable soft top, a one-piece chrome bumper, and larger doors with handles. A total of 521 examples of the B24 Convertible were built.

This particular example was completed on September 12th, 1957. It Ieft the factory finished in Grigio over Pelle Rosa. During its life, it has had four owners from new and has been under single-family ownership since 1977. Prior to its purchase, it is believed the Aurelia had been repainted. The current owners have fitted a more recent reupholstering, though the interior retains many original features, such as the wood-rimmed steering wheel and Jaeger instrumentation. Power is from a 2451cc overhead valve V6 engine offering 118 horsepower and backed by a four-speed manual transmission.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible by Pininfarina
Chassis number: B24S-1640
Engine number: B24-1761

This 6th-Series 1958 Lancia Aurelia B24S wears a cabriolet body style designed by coachbuilder Pinin Farina. Introduced in 1956, the cabriolet incorporated an improved soft top, complete with roll-up side windows and vent wings. In the front was Lancia's signature grille, and the body was devoid of excessive ornamentation, complemented by an athletic stance. Power was courtesy of a 2,451cc overhead valve V-6 engine with twin Weber 40 DCL5 carburetors and delivering 125 horsepower at 5,300 RPM. The Nardi performance kit features the twin Weber carburetors capped by the distinctive Nardi air cleaner. Backed by a four-speed manual transaxle, stopping was courtesy of four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes with the rear being inboard. The suspension in the front was independent with sliding pillars, while the rear employed a De Dion axle with leaf springs and shock absorbers. The exterior is finished in silver paintwork with a contrasting black canvas cabriolet top which lowers behind the seat, providing an uninterrupted taper to the rear extremities of the car. The rare removable hardtop is painted in matching silver. The interior has Pelle Rosso (Red Leather) bucket seats that are now fitted with safety belts. A Philips radio is centrally placed in the dashboard with a lockable glove box to the right. The trunk carries a jack, tool roll, and spare tire.

After receiving mechanical service, the car participated in the Mountain Mille in 2016. It won a first in class at the 2017 Mar-a-Lago Concours and the Corinthian Award at the 2019 Keels & Wheels Concours d'Elegance.

This example is one of 371 cabriolets built.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: B24S-1606
Engine number: B24-1719

This 1958 Lancia Aurelia B24S Convertible by Pinin Farina is the 423rd of 521 examples produced between 1956 and 1958. It is finished in Ferrari Blu Sera over a cognac interior, with a matching blue convertible top. It successfully completed multiple runnings of the California Mille and Colorado Grand rallies, and received a concours-grade restoration in 2018 by RM Auto Restorations.

This Lancia is the 98th example produced during the last year of the model's run. It was released by the factory on May 22nd, 1958, for distribution to the United States. It left the factory wearing a Grigio Selleria exterior over a red leather interior. Sergio Franchi acquired this B24S at some point during the 1980s and used it sparingly until commissioning a restoration in the later part of that decade. Unfortunately, Franchi passed away before the work was completed. The car was retained by the Franchi estate from Sergio's passing in May 1990 until acquisition by the previous owner, Jan Voboril. The current California-based owner acquired the Lancia in April 2012.

The current caretaker completed three tours of the California Mille and two tours of the Colorado Grand between 2012 and 2016. After which the car was laid up in the summer of 2016. A restoration by RM Auto Restorations began in November 2016 and was completed in December 2018 at the cost of $440,000 USD.

This car rides on 12-hole wheels wrapped with period-style Michelin radial tires. The 2.5-liter V6 engine has a single Weber carburetor and is paired with a floor-mounted, four-speed manual transmission.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: B20S.1656
Engine number: B20.5209

This Lancia Aurelia B20 GT Series VI is powered by a 2.5-liter, all-alloy, V-6 engine, and incorporations numerous improvements applied during the model's production, including roll-up windows with a triangular quarter vent, a chrome bonnet strip, and improved sound deadening.

This left-hand-drive model has a floor-shifted transaxle, the original engine, steering box, front suspension, instrumentation, glass, body, and trim. It is finished in dark blue over gray cloth and correct accessories, including Carello lights and lenses.

The car remained in long-term Swedish ownership from 1965 to 2012. It was then imported to the United States and formerly part of the David Word collection of California.

The 2,451cc all-alloy, overhead-valve V-6 engine is fitted with Weber 40 DCL5 Twin-Choke carburetors and develops 115 horsepower at 5,000 RPM. It has a four-speed manual transaxle, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, a front independent sliding-pillar suspension, and a rear De Dion setup with semi-elliptical leaf springs.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible by Pininfarina
Chassis number: B20S-1790
Engine number: B24-1394

This 1958 Lancia Aurelia B20S is one of 621 examples from the final sixth series and 860 left-hand-drive B20 GTs constructed. It was completed in July 1958 and given a gray exterior with matching gray cloth upholstery. The Aurelia was sent to the United States and has resided on the West Coast for decades. During the early 2000s, it was given a restoration by the previous Oregon-based owner and finished in light gray over red leather. The engine resting in the bay is a replacement unit and the date of its installation is unknown. It is an alloy B24 V-6 unit that displaces 2,451cc and has twin Weber 40 DCL5 carburetors and produces 118 horsepower at 5,300 RPM. There is a four-speed manual transaxle, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes (the rear brakes are positioned inboard), and an independent sliding-pillar suspension. The rear De Dion axle is suspended by semi-elliptical leaf springs and Panhard Rod.

Since 2005, this Lancia has been with its current California-based owner. It has been driven in local rallies and used regularly.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: B24S-1546
Engine number: B24-1666

This Lancia Aurelia B24S Cabriolet is powered by a 2,451cc overhead valve alloy V-6 engine fitted with two Weber twin-choke carburetors and produces 118 horsepower at 5,300 RPM. It has a four-speed manual transaxle, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes (inboard at the rear), and an independent front sliding-pillar suspension.

This B24S Cabriolet was completed in March 1958 and given a Celeste (Light Blue) paint scheme with natural leather. The car's earliest known owner was David Reed of Oakland, California, whose father had purchased it in July 1967. In 1971, Mr. Reed advertised the Aurelia for sale in Road & Track . It was sold to Dr. Bruno Zwerenz of Missouri and remained in his care until 2023 when it was purchased by its current owner.

This Lancia has never been comprehensively restored or exhibited. It is equipped with the Nardi twin-carburetor kit and retains its original engine per factory build records.

by Dan Vaughan

Only 330 examples of the striking B24 were ever produced. This very special automobile, produced for a scant 3 years, offered a host of bristling features in typical Lancia fashion. From the lovely Pininfarina lines down to the remarkably modern mechanicals, the Aurelia B24 Spider was a guaranteed classic.

The Aurelia series was comprised of a full lineup of first-rate cars, with the B20 GT coupe and B24 Spider stationed at its top. The B20 GT was an influential car in its own right. Automotive author Quentin Wilson recognizes that the car is 'often credited as the first of the new breed of modern postwar GT's.' The model that history has looked upon with the most favor, though, has been the B24 Spider.

The B24 offered all the mechanical prowess of other Aurelias, and combined it with the best styling of the series. One of Pininfarina's masterpieces, the B24 is today one of the most highly regarded Lancias. It was a true roadster with a very basic top and simple side curtains as the only degrees of separation between the driver and the outside world. Yet its ample luggage space and pleasant interior begged for an alfresco getaway into the rich scenery of its Italian homeland.

Featuring monocoque construction, already a Lancia hallmark for decades, the B24 was built by Pininfarina. That famed carrozzerie of Italy also, of course, penned the elegant lines.

With its tight, lean curves, the Lancia escaped the bulbous trends of the 1950's. At the car's front, the wheels rested beneath sleek pontoon fenders with subtle flares. Those fenders swept back to form a seamless downward curve that ran nearly to the rear edge of the doors before quickly ramping back up to a peak just beyond the cockpit. The rear fenders, bulging slightly from the rest of the car, formed tight muscles in a predatory haunch. The B24's graceful, athletic stance belied its superb poise.

There was terrific attention to detail in the Lancia's design. The way the split front bumpers led to the proud grille. The way the unfettered rear could have been grown from the soil. The way the delicate curved windshield rested lightly atop the body, an airy marvel of metal and glass placed as if only to frame for driver and passenger the gorgeous view out over the long hood. The Aurelia was fine sculpture at its fastest.

All that elegance translated perfectly into the interior. Free of fussy details, its painted metal dash housed a simple array of instruments and a thin wood-rim steering wheel. The seats took up the width of the interior and, with tops flush with the car's body, blended seamlessly with the B24's outside.

The Aurelia's mechanical sophistication was every bit as impressive as the design. At the heart of the B24 was a 2451cc V6 cast entirely of aluminum alloy. The Aurelia series brought to market the first ever mass-produced V6, and it was a gem. With its 60-degree V and light construction, the engine would not be out of place in a new car. The phenomenal sound may be unheard of today, but the basic design surely is not.

Vittorio Jano was the man responsible for the development of the Lancia V6, which began life as a 1754cc unit. Jano, an invaluable engineer with Alfa Romeo during the company's all-conquering racing career of the 1920's and 1930's, knew more about building fine engines than perhaps anyone else at the time. His metallic marvel produced 118hp in the B24.

The engine was not the only impressive collection of moving parts on the Lancia. The car's other famous feature was its transaxle. Incorporating the transmission, differential, and even brakes all into one compact unit had several benefits on the car. Most notably, it perfected weight distribution and reduced unsprung weight at the rear axle. The result was a great-handling automobile with ballet dancer balance and razor-sharp reflexes.

Suspending the Lancia was a relatively simple system with a sliding pillar up front. The rear of the car used leaf springs, but a De Dion rear axle ensured the excellent road manners already made possible by the car's light engine and use of a transaxle.

Market values of the Aurelia B24 Spider have reached stratospheric heights, and the cars routinely sell for well over $200,000. These vehicles have become established classics with unrivaled Italian pedigree and prestige. They have rightly become known as one of the best Lancias ever made.

Sources Used:

Wilson, Quentin. The Ultimate Classic Car Book. First. London: Dorling Kindersley Limited, 1995.

by Evan Acuña

In 1950 the Lancia Aurelia was introduced to the public at the Turin Motorshow and was created as a replacement for the Lancia Aprilia. Under the hood was a new six-cylinder engine in 'Vee' configuration. To reduce weight, various body panels had been constructed of aluminum, including the hood and doors. The clutch and four-speed gearbox was mounted in the rear using a single unit with the differential. The suspension in the rear was independent, while the front was a sliding pillar type.

The first in the series was the B10 Berlina. Power came from a 1574 cc engine producing nearly 60 horsepower. The four-door pillarless saloon was criticized for its performance issues so Lancia answered the complaints with the introduction of the B21 produced a year later. There was little to distinguish the B10 from the B21, the only difference lies under the hood. The 1574 cc engine had been replaced with a 1991 cc engine producing 70 horsepower. To add sporty appeal, a B20 GT Coupe was introduced in the same year. The two-door coupe was designed by Boano from Ghia. Gianpaolo Boano was the son of Ghia owner Mario Felice Boano. Production was handled by Pininfarina. It sat atop a shortened wheelbase and used a tuned version of the 1991 cc engine now producing 75 horsepower. Production was low with only 500 examples produced. A second coupe series was created using a tuned version of the 1991 cc engine now producing 80 horsepower. Mechanical improvements included better brakes and a lowered suspension, both resulting in better performance. Styling changes were mostly confined to the interior, the most noticeable being done to the instrument panel.

In 1950 an extended wheelbase version of the B10 was introduced, featuring different tires and gear ratios. These were dubbed the B50 and the B51. When the 2-liter engine was introduced, the name was changed to B52 and B53. Production was low with the B50 having the most examples created, 583. There were 184 B52 models, 6 B55 and only 5 B56 models. A single B60 was created. The B55 and B56 were examples with the 2-liter engine and a de Dion rear suspension. The purpose of these specialty models was to allow custom coachbuilders such as Pininfarina, Bertone, Viotti, Vignale, Ghia, among others, to design and build unique creations. One of the more famous designs was created by Pininfarina. It was a concept car dubbed the PF2000. A few examples were created for display at motor shows, such as the Lancia Aurelia B52 B JR built by Ghia for the 1953 Turin Motor Show.

Lancia lengthened the B21 and dubbed it the B15. It received a de-tuned engine, now producing 65 horsepower. Bodied by Bertone, the B15 was produced in low quantities; just over 80 examples were created.

In 1953 Lancia introduced the B20 Coupe, the third in the series, powered by a 2451 cc engine producing nearly 120 horsepower. This marked the first time a left-hand-drive version of the Aurelia could be purchased. The independent rear suspension could not handle the extra power from the new engine so it was changed in favor of a de Dion system. Seven hundred twenty examples were created.

By 1952 Lancia had created a replacement for the B21 Berlina, the B22. It was basically the same as its replacement except for improvements under the hood. The engine had been given double-barrel Weber carburetors, among other improvements, which resulted in the production of 90 horsepower. There were styling changes included, most done to the interior, such as the instruments and the indicators. In 1954 Lancia ceased production of the B22 and introduced the B12. During its production lifespan, nearly 1100 examples were produced.

The B12 was one of the first drastic changes to the Aurelia, both mechanically and aesthetically, since its inception. The engine was a 2266 cc powerplant producing 87 horsepower. The rear suspension was changed in favor of a de Dion system. Wind deflectors were placed on the windows and the headlights were changed. During its production lifespan, around 2400 examples were produced.

In 1955 the audience at the Brussels Motor Show was introduced to the B24 Spider. Lancia had tasked Pininfarina to design and produce a limited number of vehicles using a shortened wheelbase from the B12. Power was supplied from a 2451 cc engine. A convertible was later introduced and quickly became the favorite, with 521 Convertibles and 240 Spiders produced.

The production of the Berlina ceased in 1955. The Coupe and Convertible series continued until 1958. There were a total of six series for the coupe. The fifth series began to shy away from performance gains and focused more on luxury.

by Dan Vaughan