Vincenzo Lancia was the father of many innovations in automobile technology: a complete electrical system, the monocoque body and the V4 engine. He was a pioneer in independent rear suspension, and although he did not invent the sliding pillar independent front suspension, he refined it to combine the spring and hydraulic shock absorber, a Lancia hallmark until the 1960s. The Aurelia was developed under the guiding hand of Vittorio Jano. Hired in 1937, shortly after Vincenzo Lancia’s death, Jano came from Alfa Romeo, where he had been responsible for the 1750, 2300 and the Grand Prix cars, some trucks and a number of aero engines. Lancia had been famous for narrow-angle V4s, so narrow that only a single cylinder head was used. For the new Aurelia, a V6 was planned, but a narrow angle wouldn’t suit, due to balancing considerations. So the vee was widened to 60 degrees and a single camshaft located in the valley, operating valves with pushrods. Displacing 1,754 cc, it developed 56 bhp. A four-speed gearbox was married to the rear axle, not a first for Lancia but unusual for the times. The first Aurelia, the B10 sedan, debuted in 1950, a larger, 1,991 cc engine and a comely GT coupe, the B20, the following year. Bodied by Pinin Farina, the GT developed a devoted following and remains a favorite of collectors today. The engine was enlarged to 2,541 cc in 1953, and the fourth-series B20 of 1954 featured a DeDion rear axle. This was the first Lancia offered in left-hand drive, and the first to achieve significant imports to the United States. A B24 Spider was introduced in 1954, and entered series production the following year. In 1956, with the fifth series, it gained roll-up windows and was redesignated the Convertible. In all, more than 18,000 Aurelias were built through 1958, just 761 of them open cars. Never restored, simply repainted and fitted with new top and carpets, this Aurelia B24 convertible retains its original upholstery and sound, powerful engine and drivetrain. The tan leather seats remain in excellent condition and the matching door panels exhibit only modest evidence of stretching. Having seen use in several vintage rallies, it was gone through by a Lancia specialist to ensure readiness for future enjoyment. The engine compartment is clean and appropriately detailed, but not overdone so as to discourage spirited use. With snug top and roll-up windows it will be ideal for touring or rallying in all sorts of weather. At the end of a day’s run, a modest rub-down will have it ready for show, resplendent in its archetypal red paint and justifiably proud of its excellent panel fits and contours.
Vincenzo Lancia was the father of many innovations in automobile technology: a complete electrical system, the monocoque body and the V4 engine. He was a pioneer in independent rear suspension, and although he did not invent the sliding pillar independent front suspension, he refined it to combine the spring and hydraulic shock absorber, a Lancia hallmark until the 1960s. The Aurelia was developed under the guiding hand of Vittorio Jano. Hired in 1937, shortly after Vincenzo Lancia’s death, Jano came from Alfa Romeo, where he had been responsible for the 1750, 2300 and the Grand Prix cars, some trucks and a number of aero engines. Lancia had been famous for narrow-angle V4s, so narrow that only a single cylinder head was used. For the new Aurelia, a V6 was planned, but a narrow angle wouldn’t suit, due to balancing considerations. So the vee was widened to 60 degrees and a single camshaft located in the valley, operating valves with pushrods. Displacing 1,754 cc, it developed 56 bhp. A four-speed gearbox was married to the rear axle, not a first for Lancia but unusual for the times. The first Aurelia, the B10 sedan, debuted in 1950, a larger, 1,991 cc engine and a comely GT coupe, the B20, the following year. Bodied by Pinin Farina, the GT developed a devoted following and remains a favorite of collectors today. The engine was enlarged to 2,541 cc in 1953, and the fourth-series B20 of 1954 featured a DeDion rear axle. This was the first Lancia offered in left-hand drive, and the first to achieve significant imports to the United States. A B24 Spider was introduced in 1954, and entered series production the following year. In 1956, with the fifth series, it gained roll-up windows and was redesignated the Convertible. In all, more than 18,000 Aurelias were built through 1958, just 761 of them open cars. Never restored, simply repainted and fitted with new top and carpets, this Aurelia B24 convertible retains its original upholstery and sound, powerful engine and drivetrain. The tan leather seats remain in excellent condition and the matching door panels exhibit only modest evidence of stretching. Having seen use in several vintage rallies, it was gone through by a Lancia specialist to ensure readiness for future enjoyment. The engine compartment is clean and appropriately detailed, but not overdone so as to discourage spirited use. With snug top and roll-up windows it will be ideal for touring or rallying in all sorts of weather. At the end of a day’s run, a modest rub-down will have it ready for show, resplendent in its archetypal red paint and justifiably proud of its excellent panel fits and contours.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
