1958 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT Series VIChassis no. B20S 1791Engine no. B20N 3569

1958 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT Series VI Coachwork by Pinin FarinaChassis no. B20S 1791Engine no. B20N 3569
2,451cc OHV All-Alloy V6 EngineDual-throat Weber Carburetor112bhp at 4,700rpm4-Speed Manual TransaxleSliding Pillar Front Suspension - Di Dion Rear Axle4-Wheel Drum Brakes - Inboard Rear *Desirable LHD, 2.5-liter B20 GT with floor shift*Gorgeous Pinin Farina design and coachwork *In current ownership for more than 34 years *Eligible for many prominent tours and ralliesTHE LANCIA AURELIAIntroduced in 1907, the Vincenzo Lancia's first car showed an independence of thought and defiance of convention that would remain associated with the marque well into the modern era. Lancia recommenced production after WWII with the Aprilia and its smaller cousin the Ardea. However, waiting in the wings was yet another groundbreaking design: the Aurelia. Lancia's classic Aurelia, the first car ever to employ a V6 engine, was launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show. Designed in wartime by Francesco de Virgilio, the 1,754cc 60-degree V6 was of all-aluminum construction and used overhead valves operated via short pushrods instead of Lancia's traditional overhead camshafts. An advanced unitary-construction design, the Aurelia retained Lancia's "sliding pillar" independent front suspension, first seen on the Lambda, but used a novel semi-trailing-arm layout at the rear, another world first. The transmission, too, was unusual, comprising a two-piece prop-shaft and combined gearbox/rear transaxle on which were mounted the inboard brakes, though for once this was not an entirely new departure. 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 MOTORCAR OFFEREDAccording to Niels Jonassen's book on the model, Lancia Aurelia in Detail, the Lancia Aurelia B20 GT offered here, chassis number B20S 1832, was the 69th to last produced example of the legendary B20 GT. The car was configured as a left-hand drive example, just as it appears today. The B20 GT was one of 425 examples produced in the final and fully-evolved sixth series production run, built between 1957 and 1958. These end-of-the-run sixth series GT Coupe's featured many creature comforts: roll-up windows, better sound deadening, and a triangular quarter vent window. Mechanical features included the larger 2.5-liter all-alloy V6 engine and the sophisticated De Dion rear axle.Although the Lancia's early history remains unknown, the car is known to have been owned by California-based collectors in the 1970s. By the 1980s, B20S 1791 was in the hands of Portola Valley, California resident Mr. Steve Stern, and was here purchased by the consignor in 1984. The Lancia had recently received a comprehensive restoration during this period. The purchase was arranged through Bruce Trenery's Emeryville, California-based classic car dealership, Fantasy Junction. The desirable Lancia Aurelia has since formed part of the consignor's exceptional collection of some the most desirable sportscars, from both the pre- and post-war era, made by some of the most exclusive manufacturers. B20S 1791 appears to have led a sheltered life since it left the Lancia Works in 1958. Close inspection shows a beautiful interior, and details appear correct for the car's original specification. Chrome and brightwork, as well as lights and lenses, are appear original and preserved, showing only very light aging. The factory chassis and body tags are all original and unaltered as well. Offered with the rare Lancia are many spare parts, including cylinder heads and gasket sets. This fine Aurelia B20 GT Coupe is ripe for a light recommissioning and should then be ready for vintage rallies or tours. Featuring factory left hand drive steering, the larger 2.5-liter engine and floor-mounted gear shift, it is among the most desirably specified examples of the legendary model. It is eminently eligible for events such as the Colorado Grand or Copperstate 1000 and would equally be at home on California's Highway 1 through Big Sur, or traversing Italy's legendary Futa-Raticosa pass.