1953 Lancia Aurelia B20

Highlights

Commendably original and richly patinated
Judiciously maintained as part of the Forgione Collection
ASI registered

The Appeal

The Lancia Aurelia was groundbreaking. It featured an unusual transaxle gearbox, inboard brakes, and was among the first-ever uses of a V6 engine. An Aurelia came second in the 1951 Mille Miglia and took the first three places at the Targa Florio the following year. This was one formidable sports car and it kickstarted Lancia’s successful rallying career in 1954 when Louis Chiron and Ciro Basadonna drove one to victory in the Monte Carlo Rally.

We’re delighted to offer this supremely original 1953 example, an Aurelia B20 that has been part of the Forgione Collection for a number of years.

It goes without saying that these are immensely special cars and that means most have been heavily restored in recent years to feature in prominent collections or museums. That’s where this one is different. Used sparingly during current ownership, but regularly maintained, this car offers an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire an Aurelia that’s both patinated and usable.

History and Documentation

ASI registered
Exempt from Revisione (pre-1960)
Italian historic black and white number plates fitted
The vendor believes that the engine was likely restored at some point while the car was in the collection - although there are scant records to verify this
Italian registration documents present
Lancia Register Certificate of Identification

Condition

Evenly aged throughout
Exceedingly original
Discreet rear indicators added under the bumper
Straight and solid-looking bodywork with good panel alignment and door fit
OEM steel wheels complete with chromed hubcaps
Some patina to the original brightwork and badging
All presents well underneath
No modifications apparent to the interior
Period-correct materials retained including the ribbed rubber floor mats, cloth seats and bakelite controls
Some signs of deterioration to the rear upholstery

You’ll note this car is right-hand drive, as was customary for high-end Italian cars before the war and some say that this was so drivers could alight on the side of the pavement.

This car’s black paintwork sports a healthy patina, with some swirl marks, plenty of light scratches and the odd chip here and there. This doesn’t detract from the car’s magnificence - in fact - we’d say it enhances it, as you seldom see such original examples come to market. The bodywork still looks to be very straight overall, with minimal signs of damage and no obvious indication of excessive corrosion. All presents well underneath, with underseal and a film of oil protecting most areas.

Inside, the cabin is among the most original we’ve ever encountered. We don’t see any modifications and the original period details remain in very good order for their age. There’s some deterioration to the rear upholstery and a crack in the steering wheel, but otherwise, everything seems only moderately worn and still very usable.

The Mechanics

1,991 cc sixty-degree V6
Four-speed manual gearbox (transaxle)
Inboard drum brakes (rear)
Reportedly in good running and driving condition

This was one of the lesser used cars in Snr Fogione’s collection. We imagine that one could derive equal pleasure from looking at such a car in one’s garage, admiring its engineering and sublime styling.

Nevertheless, all the Forgione cars were kept in good running order, and it’s understood this one may have undergone an engine rebuild at some point. All looks very original under the bonnet and we’re informed that it runs well.

NOTE: Viewing are permitted for this vehicle on September 19th only between 4PM - 8PM. In order to arrange, please contact Car and Classic

BEFORE YOU BUY

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