1958 Lancia Aurelia B24S Convertible with Hardtop

Coachwork by Pininfarina Registration no. 704 XVG Chassis no. B24S-1610

Footnotes

The B24S Convertible represents the ultimate development of one of the most influential designs to emerge from Italy post-WW2: Lancia's classic Aurelia. First car ever to employ a V6 engine, the Aurelia was launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show, and the following year the original saloon was joined by the Pinin Farina-styled B20 Coupé, a fastback 2+2 GT. B24 Spider and Convertible models were launched in 1955, both powered by a 2½-litre, 118bhp version of the 60-degree V6, by which time the Aurelia had gained a leaf-sprung De Dion rear axle.

The Aurelia Spider was clearly inspired by the Pinin Farina's open Ferraris. Intended for sale mainly in the USA, and with its wraparound windscreen of American inspiration, the Spider was quickly dubbed 'America'. Built on a 2,450mm wheelbase, the B24S Spider was mechanically similar to the 4th Series Aurelia B20, except for different air filters. All models had a floor-mounted gearchange and it was the first Lancia with left-hand drive as standard (the 'S' in the type number meaning 'Sinistra' - left - in Italian).

From 1956, the Spider America was succeeded by the more conventional B24S Convertible, mechanically based on the 5th series Aurelia B20. Again the work of Pinin Farina, the B24S Convertible looked superficially very similar but in fact was a total redesign that shared no panels with its predecessor. Easily recognisable differences were many: deeper doors with external handles and wind-up windows, flatter windscreen with quarter-lights, and one-piece bumpers, to name but three. There was also, of course, a proper convertible hood providing decent weather protection. The B24S Convertible was built on the same wheelbase as the Spider and used a slightly less powerful (110bhp) version of the 2½-litre V6 engine. More civilised than the uncompromising Spider, the Convertible was also more successful, 521 being sold between 1956 and 1958 as opposed to 240 Spiders.

Few cars are more redolent of the Dolce Vita era of Italian motoring as the Lancia B24S Convertible, one of which famously starred in the 1962 film Il Sorpasso alongside Vittorio Gassman and Jean-Louis Trintignant.

Sourced for the current owner by renowned marque specialists Thornley Kelham, this beautiful Lancia B24S Convertible has been restored at various stages of its life, most recently in 2005/2006. We are advised by the private vendor that the car is in generally good condition, well capable of keeping up with modern traffic courtesy of its smooth, well-tuned V6 engine. The interior leather is said to be in very good condition while the brand new hood fits well, and the car comes with an un-restored (and very rare) factory hardtop. Finished in powder blue with tan trim, this wonderful 'old school' Lancia is offered with sundry restoration invoices, current MoT, and a V5C Registration Certificate.