Goodwin Business

The Lancia Aurelia is one of the most influential cars in motoring history. Known for its superb engineering and excellent performance it 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 B20 GT coupe 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 combining 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 and finished 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 6th 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, 6th series cars received quarterlights to the door windows and a chrome strip down the bonnet.

Chassis B20-3956 is we believe, one of only twenty-five RHD sixth series cars supplied to the UK by official importers Lancia (England) Ltd. of Alperton.

The original Lancia guarantee document on file confirms the car was supplied new in Grigio Meyer 16202 and registered on the thirtieth December 1958 to its first owner, Mr. R. C. Fleming of North Devon. Soon after delivery Fleming converted the gearshift from column change to the desirable Nardi floor-change configuration.

R.C. Fleming raced MGs and his ex-Scuderia Ferrari Alfa Romeo 8C in the 1930s at Crystal Palace and Brooklands with his co-driver ‘Wilkie’ Wilkinson, the legendary mechanic of Bellevue Garage, Wandsworth.

In 1964 Fleming sold the Aurelia to G. Leslie Shepherd of Cardiff with approximately 44,000 miles showing on the odometer. Mr. Shepherd had previously bought a Lancia B12 from Fleming, a car that went on to win the 1966 Lancia Motor Club A.G.M. Concours d’ Elegance. That B12 was in such good order that he didn’t hesitate in purchasing the B20 GT from Fleming too.

Mr. Shepherd cherished the Aurelia and had it maintained by the official Lancia ‘Works’ at Alperton, Wembley. Handwritten notes on file detail servicing dates and the fitting of consumable items such as tyres and spark plugs along with mileage readings.

During his ownership Mr. Shepherd had the Lancia Works fit Koni shock absorbers at the rear and an S.U. electric fuel pump installed in parallel with the standard mechanical pump and could be switched in or out as required. Supplementary Fiamm horns with compressor were also fitted.

The car was in such superb order that it won the Lancia Motor Club A.G.M. concours d ’elegance of 1967 and when he decided to part with the car in 1967/1968, Mr. Shepherd stated to prospective buyers that Lancia (England) Ltd. confirmed his car was the best B20 in the country.

The Aurelia was then purchased by Roland Grazebrook one of the UK’s leading Lancia authorities. In 1972 he sold it to Lancia historian and author Nigel Trow who owned the car for over thirty years. We believe he restored the car between 1975 and the late 1990s including an engine rebuild. On completion the Aurelia was driven to a Lancia meeting in the south of France. In the early 2000 Trow sold the Aurelia to another prominent Lancia collector and ex-Lancia Motor Club President.

This very rare UK-delivered RHD 6th series example has not been offered publicly for sale in over fifty years, passing instead between three prominent Lancia enthusiasts. The car has just been recommissioned from a period in storage with works including an engine tune, brake rebuild with new wheel cylinders and master cylinder, new Pirelli Cinturato tyres and inner tubes, the brake reservoir and fuel pump were stripped and cleaned and all fluids changed. The car now runs and drives as it should.

Our B20 GT comes with an original Italian language owner’s manual, English language instruction book and an extensive history file containing duplicate buff logbook, original Lancia (England) Ltd. service invoices from the 1960s, copious handwritten notes and period photographs. Toolkit, jack and spare key are also present.

This coveted late-production, matching numbers example is in an attractive patinated condition and boasts a continuous history of passionate Lancia enthusiasts and authorities.