Goodwin Business

Lancia is one of the world’s oldest and most respected motor car manufacturers and the Aurelia is one of the most influential cars in motoring history.

Known for superb engineering and excellent performance the Aurelia was designed under the supervision of the legendary Vittorio Jano, the mastermind behind the all-conquering Alfa Romeo P2, 6C and 8C of the pre-war years. Jano’s arrival set the stage for Lancia’s burst of fame and glory on the international competition stage, in which the Aurelia would play a starring role.

Launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show this revolutionary new model was initially available as a four-door saloon, but soon spawned spider and convertible variants plus a breathtakingly beautiful two-door coupe, the B20 GT. The B20 was styled by Ghia and had an advanced monocoque body built by Pininfarina.

The Aurelia was a ground-breaking design with a new, all-aluminium V6 engine (the world’s first production V6) set well back in the frame. Lancia’s famous independent sliding pillar front suspension was employed along with independent rear suspension. The gearbox and clutch were housed in a lightweight aluminium-cased transaxle which along with engine positioning gave an ideal 50/50 weight distribution. In addition, inboard rear brakes reduced unsprung weight.

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

Chassis 2849 is a desirable 3rd Series example completed on the 29th October 1953. 3rd series Aurelias combine the lightness and nimbleness of the earlier 2.0 litre cars with the larger, more powerful 2.5 litre engine. The independent rear suspension was carried over from the 1st and 2nd Series cars so oversteer was still available on demand. 4th, 5th and 6th series cars had de Dion rear suspension and less entertaining handling.

The original build information supplied by Fiat Archivo Storica is on file and confirms 2849 was originally finished in Verde (green) with an interior in Panno Nocciola (hazelnut) cloth.

UK ownership can be traced back to a Mr. Raymond Bray of Sheffield who acquired the Aurelia in April 1978. In 1984 the car was owned by Roy Tullett of Hatton, Derbyshire who sold it as a restoration project via auction to Christopher Purlell of Wrexham in September 1985.

In 1996 the Aurelia was still unrestored when purchased by Lancia enthusiast Chris Gawne who restored the car as a historic racecar.

The engine is a stronger 5th series unit with a Nardi inlet manifold and two twin-choke Weber 40 DCL carburettors. Other competition features include 79mm pistons, a Tim Burrett race camshaft and timing chain tensioner.

A Nardi floor-change replaced the standard column system and the transaxle features close-ratio gears mated to Flaminia drive shafts. The exhaust system consists of twin three-into-one pipes with straight through Bell stainless-steel silencers. The rear screen and door windows are lightweight plexiglass and an Aley Bars FIA half roll cage was installed.

Other performance items include adjustable telescopic dampers, aluminium-cored radiator, Kenlowe fan, lightened flywheel, external oil cooler, spin-on oil filter adaptor, electric fuel pump, aluminium foam-filled fuel tank and lower and stiffer road springs. Also fitted are race legal period-style black leather bucket seats, Alfa Romeo 1900 alloy front brake drums with improved cooling, an external electric cut-off switch and a dashboard-mounted Brantz rally timer.

When the Aurelia was completed in 2021 it was allocated with HTP papers and has competed in many historic races at major UK motorsport venues including Silverstone, Donington and Brands Hatch. The Aurelia has also seen action in 2010 in the pre-63 GT race at Monza, and San Remo rally.

In March 2017 the Aurelia was purchased by the current owner who has continued to campaign the car in various historic races including its third appearance at Goodwood Revival.

When ex-Formula 1 driver John Watson was asked at the 2018 Goodwood Revival which car he would take home he answered “oh the green Aurelia” - high praise indeed!

Recent works include re-lining the brake shoes in 2020, new Schroth FIA-homologated (and road legal) harnesses valid to 2026 fitted in May 2021. The hand-held fire extinguisher is also in date to end of 2025. The clutch was relined in December 2022 and a new battery installed in May 2023. A new speedometer cable and horn have been fitted and the front lower brake cylinders have just been replaced.

A spares package is included in the sale, full details of which can be supplied on request. Items include original parts removed when the car was converted to race specification such as seats, glass rear screen, glass door windows, floor mats, a set of steel road wheels and tyres, assorted trim parts, glovebox lid, original brake drums and bonnet.

The original engine was rebuilt in 2006 and has not run since but has been regularly turned by hand. The original engine and gearbox transaxle are available by separate negotiation.

This desirable 3rd Series Aurelia is in good condition and is the perfect choice for historic circuit racing, historic rallies including the legendary Mille Miglia, or simply to be enjoyed as a fast road car.