Fantasy Junction

Description

1956 Lancia Aurelia B24S
s/n B24S-1195, Engine no. B24*1309*
Burgundy with Tan Leather

Famous for their incredible craftsmanship, innovative engineering solutions, and complete disregard for cost accounting with respect to those engineering solutions, pre-Fiat Lancias are, in many ways, in a class of their own. Few cars are as thoughtfully engineered or built, which helps to explain why Lancia encountered a great deal of financial troubles. The Aurelia was first conceived during World War II, and was powered by what is considered to be the world’s first production V6, which included hemispherical combustion chambers. To improve weight distribution, later versions included a rear-mounted transaxle unit including clutch, inboard rear brakes, and independent rear suspension (which would later be supplanted by a de Dion rear end). Contemporary road testers marveled at the car’s refinement, exceptional build quality, and roadholding. They found the car to be highly capable and a joy to use, with the magazine The Autocar going as far as to claim that the Aurelia was “one of the most desirable sporting cars of the decade”.

The cars proved to be highly successful in competition, with perhaps the Aurelia’s most shocking achievement occurring at the 1951 Mille Miglia. The factory entered four Aurelias, and the car of Giovanni Bracco and Umberto Maglioli soon left the 2-liter competitors behind and began closing on the overall leaders, who were piloting cars with 50% to 100% more displacement. In the torrential rain, the 2.0 liter 80hp Aurelia closed five minutes on the leading 4.1 liter Ferrari 340 in the second to last leg alone, and was still closing at the end of the event, placing second overall! The Aurelia lost by 20 minutes in a 13 hour race, amply demonstrating the capability of both drivers and car. The Aurelia met with countless other competition successes, including another class win on the Mille Miglia plus further class victories at the Le Mans 24-hours, Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti, Pescara 6-hours, Carrera Panamericana and Targa Florio, among others.

The most sought after and beautiful variant of the Aurelia is the B24, an open car with a shorter wheelbase when compared to the closed variant, the B20. Late B20’s and B24’s, such as this car, are fitted with a significantly more powerful 2.5 liter engine and styled by Pininfarina, the cars were very striking, and were produced in essentially two forms. The Spider was less sophisticated, with side curtains, no exterior door handles and an American style wraparound panoramic windscreen, while the Convertible had wind up windows, larger doors, and the mechanical refinements associated with the fifth and sixth series B20’s.

This particular car has been under the care of a number of collectors, including Paul and Madeline Guttman. During their ownership, the car was restored, and subsequently competed successfully in the Colorado Grand, California Mille, Copperstate 1000, and other events. The car is a well-kept nicely mellowed example that is superbly sorted. It has been retrofitted with desirable and attractive replica Borrani wire wheels by Franco de Pierro, and also has a very rare hardtop, which has not been restored.

The car is in lovely cosmetic condition overall. The paintwork was completed to very high standards some years ago, and has a few chips in the front end from road use, and a few cracks in the paint in areas of complex curvature. The chrome is excellent throughout, as are the glass and lights. The wheels are very nice as well, and the car wears Michelin XAS tires. The canvas top is in excellent shape and fits well.

The interior is extremely nice throughout. The leather upholstery on the seats has a nice even patina, and the carpets, dashboard, and door trims are excellent. The switches and instruments are very nice, and the steering wheel is extremely nice, though the horn button has some cracks in it.

The engine compartment is tidy and correct throughout. It is quite clean, and low restriction K&N air filters are fitted. The trunk is correct in appearance with quilted upholstery and rubber diamond pattern mat.

This example drives superbly. The engine is the finest that we have ever experienced in an Aurelia, and the transaxle is excellent. The brakes are excellent, and the car has none of the driveline vibration that is common to these cars. The overall feel is a coherent and reassuring feel that reminds the driver why these cars are so sought after.

This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of these lovely automobiles. Beautifully styled and engineered, the Aurelia B24 is a car with tremendous depth. Where other cars are crude and show signs of cutting costs and corners, the Aurelia impresses with its unfailing commitment to excellence in all respects. Consequently, they are particularly appealing to seasoned and sophisticated collectors seeking an uncompromising car that is at once sophisticated, sporting, and beautiful. This example is a superbly sorted example that is both attractive and usable, as demonstrated by its participation in numerous driving events.

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