Lancia Aurelia B50 Cabriolet, 1950
Lancia Aurelia
Lancia Aurelia•
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Chassis No.: B50 1159
Engine No.: B10 1797
Estimate: US$150,000 - US$200,000 USD
- 1,754cc OHV All-alloy V6 Engine
- Single Carburetor
- 56bhp at 4,000rpm
- 4-Speed Manual Transaxle
- Independent Front Suspension - De Dion Rear Axle
- 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Superb Lancia engineering and elegant Pinin Farina coachwork
- All-aluminum V6 engine and fully independent suspension
- Offered with history file containing many receipts from refurbishments
The Aurelia B50 Pinin Farina Cabriolet debuted alongside the Aurelia B10 Berlina (sedan) at the 1950 Turin auto show. Although both Aurelias shared the B10 powertrain, the Cabriolet was built on a specially lengthened 114.6-inch wheelbase chassis of the type provided by Lancia to coachbuilders. Thus, the roomy four-passenger convertible was a bit larger overall than the regular production Berlina. The Aurelia Pinin Farina Cabriolet was well received at the Turin show, leading Lancia to offer it as a special-order model. Each was hand-built by Pinin Farina, with finish and trim to individual order.
Of a total of 265 are believed to have been built this is one of only a handful known to exist in its original Pinin Farina bodywork. No two cars were finished exactly the same and all were built to order.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This charming 1950 Lancia Aurelia B50 was built by hand in September of 1950, sporting a right-hand drive configuration and featuring handsome Cabriolet coachwork by Pinin Farina. A previous owner purchased the car in 2005 from Auto Classic in Turin, Italy. Prior, the car was owned by the same family for over 20 years. The current owner - A prominent Canadian collector of exquisite sports and racing cars - purchased the B50 during August 2015 with a reported mileage of just 75,000 original kilometers (approximately 45,000 miles).
Following acquisition, the Aurelia was sent to the European car specialists at Engineered Automotive in Toronto, Ontario, where a thorough, "nut-and-bold" inspection of the car was completed, and extensive mechanical repairs were performed with the objective of occasional and enjoyable touring. The work stretched into March 2016, mostly due to parts scarcity, and when the work was completed, approximately $26,000 in Canadian funds was invested into the Aurelia's mechanical rejuvenation. All work performed is properly detailed in the history file accompanying the sale of the Lancia.
As related by the owner, the Aurelia features good bodywork and paint, with the interior compartment professionally and meticulously restored and replicating the original design and patterns. Driven 5-6 times/yearly in warm, dry weather, they also advise the car starts and runs very well, the battery was recently replaced in June 2020, the gearbox shifts very well, provided respect is paid to correct shifting technique, and the electrical system is in good condition. Since acquisition, the Aurelia has benefited handsomely from regular maintenance, oil changes and lubrication service, along with attentive visual inspections. A fresh oil change and lubrication service were most performed most recently in June 2021.
Proper storage in a climate-controlled garage preserves the handsome and engaging appearance of this exceedingly rare coachbuilt Aurelia, which is desirably equipped with Carello lighting, a supplemental heater and window de-mister system, and Condor multi-band radio, amplifier and loudspeaker. As offered, this lovely Aurelia B50 Cabriolet it is a testament to the wizardry of Lancia's renowned engineers and the design and coachbuilding prowess of Battista "Pinin" Farina.
