Goodwin Business

The Lancia Aurelia is one of the most influential cars in motoring history. Known for superb engineering and excellent performance the car was 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 Aurelia was indeed ground-breaking, 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 Berlina (four-door saloon), but soon spawned two-door GT coupe, Spider and Convertible variants.

The Aurelia was extremely successful in motorsport too, finishing second overall (to a Ferrari 340 America) at the 1951 Mille Miglia and winning 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 Rallies.

Chassis B10-2934 is a 1st series Aurelia B10 Berlina that is thought to have been discovered in Belgium by Lancia aficionado Ron Francis. The car appeared to be a competition car with components from later Aurelia models. Some in Lancia circles have suggested it could have period Belgian rally history. Francis imported the Aurelia into the UK in 1973 where it was registered PLM 285L. Ron kept the car in his collection until January 2002 when it was acquired by competition Lancia specialist Julius Thurgood.

The Aurelia was then prepared for historic racing by specialists Andrew Thorogood and Tim Burret who installed a later, more powerful engine and converted the front brakes to discs. A roll-cage, race seats and the necessary safety equipment were installed for Tony Collins and Touring Car legend Will Hoy to campaign the Aurelia in the 2002 Goodwood Revival St. Mary’s Trophy.

In March 2009 the Aurelia was sold by Bonhams to Jan van Hoorik who exported it back to Belgium before being acquired later that year by fellow Belgian Erik Vermaelen. Mr. Vermaelen intended to race the car but as often happens could not spare the time to do so. He agreed a sale to a prominent UK-based Lancia enthusiast who re-imported it and registered it to its previous UK registration number of PLM 285L.

On arrival in the UK the new owner fitted a longer geared B21 transaxle gearbox and had the B21 engine rebuilt using new parts supplied by Italian specialists Cavalitto. Components purchased included a reconditioned Weber DCZ5 carburettor, new pistons, valves, cylinder liners and Nardi camshaft at a total cost of over 3400 euro.

The interior received new door seals, replacement interior door handles and rear window winders. The headlamp rims and reflectors were refinished, a new windscreen and surround installed, and the original seats were repaired, retrimmed and reinstated. Finally, two new Michelin X tyres were fitted.

Unfortunately, since the rebuild the engine has developed a rattle which will require attention so the car will be sold as a project.

The Aurelia is UK registered and comes with a history file containing multiple invoices, correspondences, technical notes and a Lancia Motor Club dating letter. Also on file is the scrutineering ticket from the 2002 St. Mary’s Trophy race.

As one of very few competition Lancia Aurelia saloons in Europe the car could well be a candidate to race once more in the prestigious Goodwood Revival St. Mary’s trophy and other historic saloon races.

Priced realistically and with recent expenditure of over £25,000 this Aurelia is an exciting project indeed.