Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 135
1957 Lancia Aurelia B20S GT Series VI Coachwork by Pinin Farina Chassis no. B20S-1665 Engine no. 5209
Estimate: US$175,000 - US$225,000
Lot 135
1957 Lancia Aurelia B20S GT Series VI
1957 Lancia Aurelia B20S GT Series VI
Coachwork by Pinin Farina
Chassis no. B20S-1665
Engine no. 5209
Coachwork by Pinin Farina
Chassis no. B20S-1665
Engine no. 5209
2,451cc OHV All-Alloy V6 Engine
Dual-throat Weber Carburetor
112bhp at 4,700rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle with Floor Shift
Sliding Pillar Front Suspension - Di Dion Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes - Inboard Rear
*The most advanced and refined of the Aurelia line
*Gorgeous Pinin Farina design and coachwork
*November 20, 1957 production date
*One of just 195 Series VI models
*Includes Lancia Classiche Certificato di Origine
*Retains the original numbers-matching V6 engine
*One of the finest engineered motorcars of the era, with groundbreaking tech
*Eligible for many prominent tours and rallies, including the California Mille
THE LANCIA AURELIA
Introduced in 1907, Vincenzo Lancia's first car showed an independence of thought and defiance of convention that remained a hallmark of the marque well into the modern era. With several highly advanced models setting the stage in the pre-war era, Lancia resumed 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 chassis 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 lovely 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 modern Gran Turismo concept to the world. The Aurelia engine 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
This lovely and highly desirable left-drive B20S GT, s/n 1656, was completed on November 20, 1957, and, according to the accompanying Lancia Classiche Certificato d'Origine, left the works finished in Grigio over a Grigio cloth interior. This coveted Series VI incorporates the myriad improvements the model gained over its 8-year production run. These late cars are renowned for their touring ability, with improved luxury, refinement, and increased torque from the 2.5-liter V6 compared to the previous generations. Importantly, this car's November 1957 production date ensures eligibility for events like the California Mille. Subtle visual cues include the chrome bonnet strip and front vent windows in the doors, while retaining the classic restrained elegance that defined Pinin Farina styling of the period – a shape that looks particularly smart in this car's dark blue livery.
While this car's earliest history is not documented, it is understood to have been in long-term ownership in Sweden from 1965-2012, before coming stateside with California-based collector, David Word. As offered, it has been lovingly restored in a beautiful shade of dark blue over blue leatherette and gray fabric upholstery. It has been restored with an eye toward authenticity, with nice touches including the proper Michelin tires, broadcloth seat inserts, and preserved labels, decals, and tags – down to the 1970 Swedish inspection sticker. Factory documentation confirms this to be a numbers-matching example retaining its original V6 engine.
Thanks to its late 1957 build date, this wonderful Lancia is widely eligible for many prestigious driving events where its beauty, performance, and indescribable "Lancia-ness" can be best exploited and appreciated. For the keen driver and connoisseur of exquisite design, few cars in the world tick all the boxes quite like this B20S GT.
Saleroom notices
Please note, correct chassis no. is B20S-1656.
Additional information
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