​​​​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.

 

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

 

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 un-sprung weight.

 

The Aurelia was extremely successful in motorsport finishing second overall (to a Ferrari 340 America) at the 1951 Mille Miglia and achieved first in class at Le Mans the same year. The Aurelia also chalked up victories in the Targa Florio, Rome-Liege-Rome and Monte Carlo Rallye.

 

The Aurelia was developed across six distinct series, gradually evolving from sports car to Grand Tourer. Today the 3rd series Aurelia is seen as the peak B20 GT combining the independent rear suspension from the 2.0-litre 1st and 2nd series cars (with oversteer on demand) and the increased power (115 bhp) and low-down torque of the new 2.5 litre engine.

 

The 3rd series weighed in at a mere 1,100 kgs; the later 4th, 5th and 6th series cars had a de Dion set up at the rear and consequently had less entertaining handling. The 5th and 6th series cars also featured more creature comforts and were significantly heavier with no compensating increase in power. Beautifully made touring cars but with less sporting pretensions than their predecessors.

 

Chassis 2933 is a 3rd Series Aurelia B20 GT manufactured between October and December 1953 and originally finished in blue. Interestingly, the car is one of a few examples built by Carrozzeria Maggiora when Pininfarina were briefly at production capacity. It is believed only six Maggiora-built B20 GTs survive.

The car was imported from Italy to the UK and was registered 78 BLM in London on the 29th December 1960. In 1964 the car was registered to Capt. M. P. Shortall RE based at Claro Barracks in Ripon, North Yorkshire.

 

Between 1965 and 1967 the Aurelia was owned by Graham Bell of Crawley, Sussex who during his ownership carried out a repaint in red.

 

In 1976 the car was acquired by a Mr. Pretty of Ashington, Sussex who in 1977 sold it on to Tony Brooks of Ashurst (Sussex). Brooks overhauled the car and repainted it once more in Ferrari red and in 1978 participated in 78 BLM in the 2nd Le Mans Retrospective race ahead of the 24 Hour race itself.

Photographs of 78 BLM taken by Lancia historian Paul Mayo of the Le Mans adventure are on file.

 

In 1981 the Aurelia was purchased by John Andrew Darnill of London who installed engine no. 3096 that had been rebuilt by UK Lancia specialists Omicron. However the car’s original engine was retained and will be included in this sale.

 

The Aurelia was purchased by the current owner in 1995 and placed into storage until 1999 when it was fully stripped. The body was then transported to Omicron for a full bare-metal body restoration. The bodyshell was blasted and any areas of corrosion repaired, photographs on file illustrate the extent of the work. On completion, the body was finished in the correct Lancia blue for the year which is often mistaken for black. The Omicron body restoration invoices total over £55,000.

 

The restored body was then delivered back to the owner, who in the meantime had rebuilt the original gearbox, differential and clutch with new linings, springs and release bearing. A new fuel pump was fitted, steering box rebuilt and brake shoes re-lined. The car was then rewired throughout and all petrol & hydraulic lines renewed.

 

The restoration progressed between 2000 and 2019 and included re-chroming the brightwork and fitting a new front bumper. The interior was re-trimmed in the correct light grey woolcloth and blue vinyl, the mill used an original unfaded piece of fabric as a reference before weaving new material. The interior was completed with new rubber floormats.

 

The rebuilt Omicron engine (3096) was re-fitted to the car as an expedient to make the car mobile and remains in situ.

 

The total costs incurred between 1999 and 2019, including the Omicron body restoration invoices, totalled over £80,000. The owner said ‘I strived to have everything as perfect as I could get it’.

 

The car was then enjoyed for a number of years until the owner’s health began to fail and the Aurelia was placed into storage. Today the car remains in good overall condition but would benefit from some minor cosmetic attention.

 

This desirable and attractive 3rd Series example features the essential Nardi floor-change and steering wheel is now offered for sale complete with its original engine alongside.

​

​