The Lancia Aurelia is one of the most influential cars in motoring history and is known for superb engineering and excellent performance. Designed under the supervision of the legendary Vittorio Jano, the mastermind behind the all-conquering Alfa Romeo P2, 8C and 6C of the pre-war years, the new car was styled by Ghia and the advanced monocoque bodies were built by Pininfarina. The new car was a ground-breaking design with a new, all-aluminium, V6 engine (the world’s first production V6) and transaxle that combined gearbox, clutch and differential for optimal weight distribution.
Launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show the Aurelia was initially available as a four-door saloon, but soon spawned spider, convertible and two-door coupe (B20 GT) versions.
The Aurelia was also extremely successful in motorsport finishing second overall (to a Ferrari 340 America) at the 1951 Mille Miglia and won first in class at Le Mans the same year. The model also chalked up victories in the Targa Florio, Rome-Liege-Rome and Monte Carlo Rally. Production ran to six distinct series culminating in the sixth series introduced in 1957. By this time engine capacity had increased from 1,991cc to 2,451cc and the car had evolved into a highly capable tourer. Visually, sixth series cars received quarterlights to the door windows and a chrome strip down the bonnet.
Chassis B20-3937 is a RHD sixth-series example coming from long-term Lancia enthusiast ownership. The Lancia Classiche Certificato di Origine on file confirms the car was completed on the 13th March 1958 and was originally finished in Nero (black) with Panno beige interior. The serial numbers of the engine, transaxle/differential, front suspension and steering box all match those on the certificate. The Aurelia also features the desirable Nardi floor change and wooden steering wheel.
We believe the car was originally delivered to Austria in 1958 and in 1965 was sold to a doctor who emigrated to Zambia and took his Aurelia with him. Later the car was sold to a Mr. Deacon in Rhodesia/Zambia who emigrated back to England in 1982 and sold it to the current owner’s father. The family then transported the Aurelia to their home South Africa where the car was repainted in its current blue by a Lancia dealership’s bodyshop. Later the interior was retrimmed in beige cloth by Lancia specialists.
The car has recently been imported into the UK and is registered with an appropriate age-related number plate. The Lancia also benefits from a new set of Michelin tyres.
This desirable, matching numbers, RHD, sixth-series Aurelia B20 GT is now available for sale and is in excellent order.
Any inspection welcome.
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