LOT 14

1958 Lancia Aurelia B20S GT Chassis no. B20S-1790 Engine no. B24-1394 (see text)

Sold for US$134,400 inc. premium

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Lot 14

1958 Lancia Aurelia B20S GT

The Laguna Seca Auction|13 August 2026, 10:00 PDT|WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

1958 Lancia Aurelia B20S GT
Chassis no. B20S-1790
Engine no. B24-1394 (see text)

2,451cc OHV All-Alloy V-6 Engine
2 Weber 40 DCL5 Carburetors
118bhp at 5,300rpm
4-Speed Floor-Shift Manual Transaxle
Sliding Pillar Front - Independent Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes - Inboard Rear

* Desirable left-hand drive example
* Late series car with larger 2.5-liter engine
* Equipped with the Nardi Kit and floor-mounted shifter
* Eligible for numerous motoring events

THE LANCIA AURELIA

Introduced in 1907, 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 but 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 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.

According to the copy of the Lancia Registro Aurelia on file, this example was assembled at the end of May 1958 and tested prior to shipment on July 30, 1958. Originally finished in Grigio Chiaro. over grey cloth, the car has subsequently been restored in its original exterior color and retrimmed with red leather. Acquired by the current owner in 2023, it appears has been well kept and actively enjoyed and includes highly desirable features including left-hand drive (the 'S' standing for 'sinistra' – Italian for left), a Nardi Kit for a bit more power, and a floor-mounted manual transmission. Carefully maintained and regularly driven, it has been a participant on multiple rally events, including the Tejas Turismo, where it is reported by the vendor to have been gleefully enjoyed without issue.

Complete with the aforementioned Lancia Registro Aurelia, original marketing material, English instruction book, magazines, and some service records, it would make an excellent addition to just about any collection. Eligible for countless events and a delight to drive, a Lancia Aurelia is a necessary addition to just about any car collection – and this example would be among the most enjoyable out there.

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