Footnotes

Race developed V6 engine, superlative handling and sensational Pinin Farina styling: these are the ingredients of a sports car classic and the Lancia Aurelia B24 has them all.

The B24 represents the ultimate development of one of the most influential designs to emerge from Italy post-WW2: the classic Aurelia. The first production car ever to employ a V6 engine, the Aurelia was launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show. Designed in wartime by Francesco de Virgilio, the 1,754cc 60-degree V6 was of all-aluminium 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 independent 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, reflecting Lancia's preoccupation with reducing un-sprung weight, though for once this was not an entirely new departure.

The B10 saloon was joined the following year by the landmark, Pinin Farina-styled B20 Coupé, a fastback '2+2' on a shortened wheelbase which, with its combination of sportscar 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. Lighter and higher geared than the saloon, the B20 coupé was good for a top speed of over 100mph. Introduced in 1953, the 3rd and subsequent series B20s were powered by a 2,451cc, 118bhp version of the pushrod V6, and this unit was adopted for the B24 Spider introduced for 1955, by which time the Aurelia had gained a leaf-sprung De Dion rear axle.

Recognised as one of Battista 'Pinin' Farina's most beautiful designs, the B24 Spider was first shown to the public at the 1955 Brussels Motor Show. Built on the shortened chassis of the 4th Series, the B24 Spider was powered by the 2,451cc V6 producing 118bhp and 127lb/ft of torque, which in a car weighing a mere 1,050kg (2,310lb) made for lively acceleration and a top speed of 115mph. In true spider fashion the B24 was spartanly equipped, featuring a painted dashboard; limited trim; no external handles; and only a basic hood and side screens by way of weather protection. Nevertheless, the Spider is considered much more desirable today than its more practical and more numerous B24 Convertible successor. The B24 Spider was produced during 1955 only, with 240 being completed, the left-hand/right-hand drive split being 181/59.

It is unknown where this Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America was despatched new, the old UK Buff logbook on file states its previous former registration was W29862 (A). From the memories of early UK owners there seems a good possibility the car had been in the USA owned by a lady. The name of Denise McCluggage is associated with the car, as was Dan Gurney who drove a B24 Spyder at Santa Barbara in May 1957 loaned to him by Elliot Forbes Robinson. However none of this has been confirmed.

The Spider was imported into the UK in May 1958. It was owned from 1963 by John Keell Knights, a well-known racing yachtsman and noted correspondent and writer on sailing matters. He was the yachting correspondent for the New York Times. In 1964 Doug Crowther, another enthusiastic sailor, owned the Lancia. He was followed by John Scott (1966); Michael Scott (1968); Nigel Trow (1970); Roland Grazebrook (1972); and then Peter Evans (1974). Peter lived at Queensbury House, Ham Hill, Powick, Worcestershire, a residence made famous by being the birthplace of Oscar Wilde's lover 'Bosie', son of the 9th Marquis of Queensbury.
A mechanical engineer and member of the Lancia Motor Club, Peter had plenty of space to work on his cars and began the Aurelia's restoration in earnest. Sadly, the family had to sell Ham Hill and it is believed the car was not worked on after they moved to Ledbury (some 30 years ago). Peter Evans was an enthusiastic collector, not just of motor cars but also antiques and objets d'art, anything rare and unusual in fact. Peter appreciated good workmanship and quality artefacts, and liked dismantling things to find out how they worked. He went to auto-jumbles (Beaulieu twice a year); Kington Show; antiques fairs, classic car shows; and stream rallies.

Peter owned and restored a Ford Model T with great love, and often camped in it at shows in the Ledbury and Hereford area, becoming widely known in that locality. He always had a project on the go. Sadly, the Lancia's restoration was one of the projects that got overtaken by other things. Peter had a great love for the Lancia and felt somehow that he was unable to complete its restoration. "Its not for sale!" was the first thing he would say to his friend and Lancia guru Ron Francis, even when they had not seen each other for years.

Unfortunately, it has proved impossible to find the car's original engine, but last month the vendors were able to secure an identical, correct-type engine via Ron Francis. The car is a restoration project, but now with the correct engine it is pretty much complete and an exciting prospect.

Bonhams would like to thank Paul Mayo, former Lancia Motor Club Archivist and Ron Francis for their assistance with preparing this description.