Fantasy Junction

Description

This car is currently not at Fantasy Junction but is available by appointment.

1955 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT, Series IV
s/n 3618, engine no. 4372
Maroon with Tan wool interior

Always known for their advanced and sophisticated engineering, Lancia’s B20 GT was the company’s greatest car. The car combined both prodigious performance and handling with a sublime, classic form while adding, and defining, the name Gran Turismo to the world lexicon.

Shortly after its introduction a B20 GT finished second overall in the 1951 Millie Miglia, minutes behind the winning Ferrari 340 America. In the face of severe storms, the excellence of its chassis and smooth power delivery allowed the B20 to close in on the leading Ferrari only to lose ground on the final high speed run back into Brescia.

Even the original B10 sedan was noted for its performance and quickly began to be entered in rallies and other events. With its lighter weight, cleaner shape and sense of chic the B20 replaced the sedan as a sporting vehicle and became the favorite mount of many a moneyed sportsman.

The Aurelia design hosted a number of special features from its hemispherical head and aluminum construction V-6 engine to its transaxle and inboard rear brakes. The chassis was a rigid unibody design that allowed the relatively soft IRS suspension to get the maximum performance out the new Michelin radial tire. The compact V-6 engine was very responsive with excellent torque. This combination of chassis, suspension and power produced the first truly modern car in Post-War Europe.

The B-20 being offered is a highly desired Series IV model. The Series IV is perhaps the best of the B-20’s six series, combining an excellent power to weight ratio with the increased grip of a De Dion rear suspension.

To drive a well set up series IV Aurelia is to understand how important balance is to the pleasure of driving a fine car. The power delivery of this car is unusually strong, surprising even the most ardent Lancia enthusiast, to make this an exceptional example and sure to provide many surprises on the tours and rallies the car is so eminently suited for.

Along with the usual Aurelia attributes this car is equipped full period Nardi equipment including twin carburetors with cast air cleaner, floor shift conversion and hood scoop all of which add to the satisfaction one gets driving this car. The car also has a Nardi steering wheel and Borrani wire wheel conversion. The car is reported to have been sold new in Italy, where it remained until being exported to the United States in 2011. The car belonged to a Mr. Romano Zangrossi in Padova, Italy, eventually ending up in the hands of Dario Luraghi, son of Giuseppe Luraghi, president of Alfa Romeo from 1960 to 1974. The body is solid and straight with nice paint and recently done clean wool interior. The paintwork was performed to high standards but shows some surface cracks, though the overall presentation remains strong.

The car is a pleasure to drive with its powerful engine and balanced steering. Gear change is positive with good synchros. The car does not suffer from the usual Aurelia front wheel balance problems and has minimal driveline vibration thanks for recently replaced motor mounts and new clutch. When warm, the brakes pull up straight and progressively, but do seem touchy on initial, cold application.

ASI homologation certificate no. 10293, ownership history, factory jack and lug wrench, Technical Sheets, and $6,395 in receipts for a September 2011 service are all on file with the car.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608