Lancia Aurelia B20GT 6th Series Coupe, 1958
Lancia Aurelia
Lancia Aurelia•
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Chassis No.: B20S 1763
Engine No.: B20 5409
Estimate: US$160,000 - US$180,000 USD
- 2,451cc OHV All-Alloy V-6 Engine
- 2 Weber Twin-choke Carburetors
- 112bhp at 4,700rpm
- 4-Speed Manual Transaxle
- Sliding Pillar Front - Independent Rear Suspension
- 4-Wheel Drum Brakes - Inboard Rear
- Original well-preserved example
- Late series car with larger 2.5 liter engine
- Attractive color scheme
The B10 saloon was joined the following year by the Pinin Farina- styled B20 GT Coupe, a fastback '2+2' on a shortened wheelbase which, with its combination of sports car performance and saloon car practicality, can be said to have introduced the Gran Turismo concept to the world. The Aurelia engine had been increased to 1,991cc in 1951 and it was this unit in up-rated form that went into the B20 GT. Lighter and higher geared than the saloon, the B20 GT was good for a top speed of over 100mph. An engineering tour de force clothed in sublime coachwork by Italy's foremost carrozzeria, the Aurelia B20 represents for many the zenith of Lancia's post-war production.
Stunning the motor racing world, a mildly race-developed B20 GT driven by chain-smoking, brandy-swigging Giovanni Bracco finished 2nd in the 1951 Mille Miglia, beaten only by Luigi Villoresi's 4.1-liter works Ferrari! It is worth noting that the nimble Aurelia was actually faster than the Ferrari over the mountain passes north of Florence. Sharing his Aurelia B20 GT with Umberto Maglioli, Bracco won the Targa Florio for Lancia in 1952 and in 1954 another B20 won the Monte Carlo Rally in the hands of the famous Monegasque driver Louis Chiron.
THE CAR OFFERED
6th Series Lancia B20 GTs featured all the refinements and improvements developed on the earlier iterations of the superbly engineered and manufactured Aurelia Coupes. The 2.5-liter engine delivered more performance than ever. A stronger transaxle and De Dion suspension helped to maintain excellent balance and an exquisite driving experience.
This example appears largely original and unrestored. Sold new in Florida, it is a left-hand drive "S" version with the desirable floor shift. It appears the car was acquired in the 1980s by a Toronto area collector and then by Frank Allocca, a New Jersey collector. While under his ownership, the transaxle was refreshed, and the car received service by the well-known restorers at Paul Russell and Co. in the late '90s. The car then made a short move to a New York area collection in 2003, and then to another enthusiast before being obtained by the sellers to become a part of their collection in Southern California.
The engine is believed to be the original to the car. The engine bay appears to be very original and unrestored condition and many of its original components have been retained. On a recent test drive, the engine ran strong and maintained temperatures and oil pressure well. The transaxle shifted smoothly up and down through the gears. Under its current ownership, the car has received regular maintenance and has been repaired as required to ensure its use on a regular basis. Most recently, a brake service was performed including new linings and the hydraulic components were rebuilt.
The body of the car is very solid and appears unrestored. It has excellent gaps and closures, with the majority of the paint appearing to be original in both appearance and by paint meter measurements. The underside structure appears to be very original with its original undercoating solid and free of any signs of collisions or damage. The side glass and rear window appear to be the factory original Sekurit pieces. Under Mr. Allocca's ownership the interior was redone, though the dashboard and controls appear original in condition.
A lovely driver, it shows with a wonderful patina that it has been cared for well through its life and should be well appreciated by its next owner.
