Goodwin Business

The Lancia Aurelia is one of the most influential cars in motoring history and 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 Aurelia 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 extremely successful in motorsport finishing second overall (to a Ferrari 340 America) at the 1951 Mille Miglia and came 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.

Aurelia production ran to six distinct series and the model gradually evolved from sports car to luxurious tourer.

The fourth series Aurelia was introduced in 1954 and featured the larger 2,451cc engine introduced on the third series cars but with shell bearings in place of white metal bearings. The big development was a new de Dion tube rear suspension layout.

Over time the fourth series cars have become accepted as the most desirable iteration, combining the larger 2,451cc engine with improved handling characteristics of the De Dion suspension whilst retaining a sportier feel than the later cars. Importantly, the fourth series Aurelia is also eligible for entry into the prestigious Mille Miglia retrospective.

A copy of the original production data on file (supplied by Dr. Franceso Gandolfi of the Aurelia Storico in Turin) states chassis 3019 was completed on the 18th May 1954 and was finished in Verde (green) with Hazel cloth interior. The data also confirms the engine number 3526 as the original. This RHD example also features the desirable Nardi floor-change.

The car was delivered new to Portugal and was acquired in 1983 by the proprietor of Portugal’s largest classic car dealer. He kept the car until around 2012 when it was sold to an Italian buyer who had the Aurelia fully restored by Italian specialists to its original specification.
The body was blasted before being rust-proofed and painted in Verde. All brightwork was either replaced or re-chromed and all rubber seals were renewed. The interior was retrimmed in correct Lancia wool cloth.

The engine was overhauled with new pistons, valves, oil pump, water pump and bearings and the crankshaft was balanced and re-installed. The brakes and suspension were rebuilt and a new fuel tank, lines and pump were fitted along with a new wiring loom, overhauled starter motor and dashboard instruments.

On completion the Aurelia took part in the renowned Vernascia Silver Flag event in Italy where it performed faultlessly.
In 2015 the Aurelia was imported to the UK and road registered. It was then purchased by the current owner, a respected Lancia specialist who has maintained it since.
This Aurelia remains in fine condition and is now available for sale. As a restored, matching numbers, Mille Miglia eligible fourth series example in possibly the best colour combination this Aurelia is an extremely appealing package indeed.