Description
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. Jano’s arrival set the stage for Lancia’s burst of fame and glory on the international competition stage, in which the Aurelia would play a starring role.
Launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show this revolutionary new model was initially available as a four-door saloon, but soon spawned spider and convertible variants plus a breathtakingly 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 unsprung 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.
Of the total 3871 Lancia Aurelia B20 GTs built only around 500 were First Series examples. First Series Aurelias are about 10cm shorter than the later cars and are the lightest by around 250 kg. The First Series Aurelias are also the most sporting with independent rear suspension that provides oversteer on demand whereas later fourth, fifth and sixth series cars had de Dion rear suspension which gave less entertaining handling.
According to a copy of the Automobile Club d’Italia registration document on file, chassis B20 1430 was first registered in Italy on the 28th of January 1952 and was purchased by its first Milan-based owner on the 2nd February 1952. The Aurelia passed through the hands of several more Italian owners before relocating to Portugal in 1963 where it remained until 2006.
In 2007 it was purchased by the current owner to fulfil his dream of participating in the Mille Miglia. He had been searching for an early Aurelia B20 GT for years until this matching numbers example became available with a Swiss dealer in sound and running condition but requiring restoration.
The car was imported into the United Kingdom in November 2008 and received an age-related number plate 559 XUN.
After a false start with a generic classic car specialist, Thornley Kelham were identified as the best people to carry out a full restoration due to their extensive experience in restoring and maintaining vintage and classic Lancias.
On arrival at TK the body was stripped and any corrosion addressed before being repainted in beige whilst the wheels were refinished in cream. The engine was fully rebuilt with six new pistons, liners and conrods. The twin carburettors were also rebuilt and a new fuel pump, stainless steel exhaust system and tyres fitted. The cylinder head was rebuilt with new inlet and exhaust valves. In addition new rear suspension bushes were installed and the rear brake drums were reskimmed and front brake shoes relined. The clutch assembly was rebuilt and the original seat mounts repaired.
New front and rear screen rubbers, rear quarter light rubbers and boot seal were fitted and the interior was retrimmed in green wool cloth whilst the headlining was replaced with grey wool cloth and a new rubber floor mat set installed.
The car was intended to be used in competition so was prepared to that end. Competition-oriented parts fitted include an ignition isolator switch, two-point seatbelts/ harnesses, front and rear tow straps, leather bonnet straps, Dynator, Stebel Nautilus air horn, thermo-electric fan, high-performance headlight bulbs, co-pilot reading light and a temperature gauge. A USB connection was also installed below the dashboard.
The popular upgrades of Nardi floor-change, wood-rimmed steering wheel and twin-carb kit are also present, the latter necessitating a bonnet scoop for improved airflow.
The restoration was completed in 2009 and after being awarded with the necessary FIA/ HTP papers, was prepared to take part in the 2013 Le Mans Classic. Subsequent to its Le Mans outing, new engine mounts and pressure release valve spring were fitted along with lowered rear suspension springs and relining of the clutch plate.
In 2014 the current owner finally fulfilled his dream of taking part in the Mille Miglia where the Aurelia successfully reached the finish line in Brescia, completing an epic experience.
Thornley Kelham have maintained the Aurelia since the 2014 Mille Miglia including a rebuild of the transaxle/ differential unit in 2017.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a matching numbers, First Series Lancia Aurelia B20 GT in fully restored and event-prepared condition, and having had in excess of £225, 000 lavished on it since 2008. In addition, its participation in two of the world’s most prestigious events, the Mille Miglia and Le Mans Classic adds significant further appeal.
Today the car remains in excellent condition, on-the-button and is accompanied by its original bumpers, steering wheel, radio and hubcaps plus an extensive history file that details the restoration process and event preparation work.
