Description
Rally Preparation Services are delighted to offer this fantastic Lancia Aurelia rally car for sale on behalf of our client.
The Lancia Aurelia B20 GT is one of the most significant and celebrated cars of the post-war period, not only combining advanced engineering with strong performance and elegant looks, but also helping to define the concept of a ‘GT car’.
Designed by a team that included the legendary Vittorio Jano and young Francesco De Virgilio, the Aurelia was launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show with monocoque construction, a V6 engine (a first for a production car), independent rear suspension via semi-trailing arms, a transaxle, and attractive Pinin Farina styling.
A year later came the B20 GT model, a two-door coupé that was built on a shorter-wheelbase chassis and which gained a new 1991cc development of the V6 engine – complete with twin Weber carburettors and a higher compression ratio. It immediately proved competitive in motor racing: Giovanni Bracco won his class and finished second overall in the 1951 Mille Miglia, Felice Bonetto won the following year’s Targa Florio, and there were consecutive class wins at Le Mans in 1951 and ’52.
The cars were developed through six distinct series, the engine being enlarged to 2451cc for the Third Series, and a de Dion axle being fitted for the Fourth Series.
The Lancia Aurelia B20 GT being offered for sale is a Second Series example that has had just three owners from new. Built in 1952, it was sold to the US early in its life and in 1961 it was acquired by an enthusiast from a garage in White Plains, New York. They kept it until 2016, restoring it during the 1980s and preparing it for competition use on events such as the Targa Florio retrospective and the Coppa d’Oro Delle Dolomiti.
It was subsequently used through the 1990s for historic racing in North America, taking part in events at venues such as Mont-Tremblant and Lime Rock.
The Lancia was acquired by its next owner in 2016, after a decade or so being kept in dry storage. Based in the UK, he has an extensive collection of classic and vintage cars, and entrusted the Aurelia to marque specialist Thornley Kelham with instructions to make it ‘safe, structurally sound, mechanically and electrically strong and reliable, and capable of some serious rallying here in Europe’.
The resulting restoration covered every aspect of the car, encompassing an electrical rewire, body repairs, and a thorough overhaul of the transmission, suspension and brakes – plus the fuel and cooling systems. Unfortunately, the original engine was beyond repair, so painstakingly a correct Second Series engine was sourced and rebuilt with an original Nardi upgrade kit for the carburettors.
Inside, additional work included the fitment of new half-leather Corbeau rally seats, rubber mats and seals, plus additional instrumentation. There are also Schroth harnesses, a full roll-cage and a fire extinguisher.
The total investment with the restoration work added up to more than £180, 000, with the result that this Lancia Aurelia is superbly presented and expertly prepared throughout. It has been used for a rally in Ireland and is being offered for sale ready for further use in historic events, on which it would be a stylish, charismatic and highly competitive car.
Our client is enthusiastic to find a new home for this exceptionally prepared car so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to arrange to view.
The car is currently with Rally Preparation Services sister Company, the RPS storage facility and available for inspection. All viewings and test drives welcomed through direct contact with Rally Preparation Services.
All viewings and test drives welcomed by appointment at Rally Preparation Services.
All enquiries please contact us on using the button below or telephone +44(0)the details below
Specifications
First registration 1952
Recent restoration
Recent battery
Hi Torque starter motor
Dynator
Corbeau Seats
Schroth Harness’
Full Roll cage
Avon CR6ZZ Tyres
Stainless Steel exhaust
Large capacity aluminium fuel tank
Fire extinguisher
Suite of instruments
Cobra steering wheel
