LANCIA - Aurelia - B20 S GT Series IV, participant Mille Miglia 1955 and 1956

Caratteristiche

Descrizione

- A former Mille Miglia racer, it has participated in the 1955 and 1956 Mille Miglia

- Mille Miglia Eligible

- One of 255 original Left Hand Drive examples

- An appealing example of the sought-after Series IV, upgraded to a more powerful 2.5 liter V6 engine and the first to feature the de Dion rear suspension design, vastly improving handling

- The B20S (for “Sinistra”) became the first factory left-hand drive model

- 4th series with the desirable original blue-tinted windows

- 4th series instruments changes to lovely white on black Jaeger instrument

- A rare opportunity to acquire one of the very desirable models possessing extremely important known history

- With wonderful old photos of the car during its impressive racing career

Since their first offerings to the automotive public, Lancia has consistently designed and engineered some of the most technically advanced and beautiful racing and touring cars.

The Lancia Aurelia was first introduced at the Turin Motor Show of 1950. 

Designed by the legendary Vittorio Jano, the Lancia Aurelia B20 GT proved a formidable competitor distinguishing itself on the: 

– Mille Miglia (in 1951 a B20 finished second overall just minutes behind the leader, a Ferrari 340 America),

-Le Mans 24-hours (class win, 1951 and 1952), 

-Targa Florio (outright win, 1952), 

– Liege-Rome-Liege Rally (1st overall, 1953,

-Monte Carlo Rally (outright win, 1954)

The model was constantly developed and improved over time, in 1953, the Third Series saw the engine increased to 2,451 cubic centimeters. 

The following year Lancia introduced the most desirable iteration of the model, which benefitted from further upgrades.

The Aurelia B20S GT Coupé Series IV is retaining the lightness of its predecessors, the additional power from the larger V-6 was joined with dramatically increased handling thanks to a De Dion rear suspension—resulting in what many believe to be the best-performing example of the Aurelia Coupe. 

Additionally, the B20S (for “Sinistra = left”) became the first factory left-hand drive model.

Other characteristic elements of the IV series are the blue-tinted windows, which make it particularly elegant, the rear reversing light, positioned at the bottom center under the bumper, as well as the Jaeger instruments, reserved just for 1955 model.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

On February 1955 this Lancia was delivered to its first Italian owner, Mr. Armando Morelli in Parma.

Mr. Morelli was an excellent racing driver and can be described as a veteran, in fact he participated with different cars in seven editions of the Mille Miglia.

The Lancia was enjoyed by the former Italian owner, participating in a number of events including participation in the 1955 and 1956 Mille Miglia as well.

The same year, Mr. Morelli drove with the car the Parma-Berceto rally.

The Lancia remains registered in his name until 1957.

The line of Italian owners that follow is traced and known.

Approximately 8 years ago it was commissioned to a full restoration in the current livery, with blue rims and grey “Lancia” cloth interior.

The Lancia was sold to Switzerland in July 2009 and later to the Netherlands in 2016 before returning to Italy in 2023 when the ownership passed to an Italian Classic Car company in Tuscany that discovered the great history associated with this fine example of Italian motoring excellence.

This historically significant and superbly sorted Lancia comes with wonderful old photos of the car during its racing career, copies of original Mille Miglia documents and copies of the Italian registrations in the 50’s.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

The exterior of this Lancia has been finished to a high level shiny paint with and very nice fitting and gapping of all body panels.

Doors open and close smoothly and various bright work throughout the exterior have been polished and finely detailed to complement the White paint where the detail of the hand painted original 1956 Mille Miglia race number is off-course amazing.

The beautiful lines of its aluminium body showing a restrained elegance, the car presents well in Cream with a wonderful Grey cloth interior.

The colour really suits the car and emphasises all of Pininfarina’s sculptured lines and curves. 

The more you look at the car the more details you notice!

It all starts at the front, which features the ornate Lancia grille and air intakes which are encased by beautiful curved body lines. 

The grille is in excellent order even as the lamps.

The sinuous lines continue towards the rear of the car.

The chrome on the car like the bumpers and window surroundings are in excellent order but not as new. One can find some very minor signs of use.

The glass, exterior emblems, lighting, exterior lenses, and turn indicators are all in a nice condition.

CONDITION INTERIOR 

The stylish interior features factory-correct Grey cloth, a Nardi wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a desirable floor shifter.

The seats are tightly covered with no notable wear. 

Door panel and side coverings are nicely finished with proper fasteners and trim per original specifications. Headliner is nicely fit with no sagging and all. Interior rubber and edging is nicely finished with excellent door sills and finishing plates adorning your entry.

All components are very nice in presentation and condition overall – beautifully designed and faithfully restored.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

This Series IV Aurelia is beautifully restored and mechanically balanced with excellent road manners and reliability. 

The engine is well tuned and revs enthusiastically.

The driving experience is rewarding with immediate power delivery and response. 

Driving this car gives you the Gran Turismo feeling in every sense of the word and you can instantly imagine driving in the Italian Alps, enjoying the roaring sound of that iconic 2½ litre, six-cylinder engine and what a fantastic car to do the Mille Miglia in!

Have you always wanted to take part in the prestigious Mille Miglia? 

Then this could be a very suitable candidate as rare cars which took part in the race in period as this example, have a guaranteed entry.

This Lancia is impatiently waiting in our showroom for a new “caretaker” to take her on the next Mille Miglia as well in other prestigious events.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.