Description
Lancia is one of the world’s oldest and most respected motor car manufacturers and the Aurelia is one of the most influential cars in motoring history.
Known for superb engineering and excellent performance the Aurelia was designed under the supervision of the legendary Vittorio Jano, the mastermind behind the all-conquering Alfa Romeo P2, 6C and 8C of the pre-war years. Jano’s arrival set the stage for Lancia’s burst of fame and glory on the international competition stage, in which the Aurelia would play a starring role.
Launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show this revolutionary new model was initially available as a four-door saloon, but soon spawned spider and convertible variants plus a breathtakingly beautiful two-door coupe, the B20 GT. The B20 was styled by Ghia and had an advanced monocoque body built by Pininfarina.
The Aurelia was a ground-breaking design with a new, all-aluminium V6 engine (the world’s first production V6) set well back in the frame. Lancia’s famous independent sliding pillar front suspension was employed along with independent rear suspension. The gearbox and clutch were housed in a lightweight aluminium-cased transaxle which along with engine positioning gave an ideal 50/ 50 weight distribution. In addition, inboard rear brakes reduced unsprung weight.
The Aurelia was also extremely successful in motorsport finishing second overall (to a Ferrari 340 America) at the 1951 Mille Miglia and achieving first in class at Le Mans the same year. The model also chalked up victories in the Targa Florio, Rome-Liege-Rome and Monte Carlo Rally.
Chassis 2881 is a 3rd Series example completed on the 5th November 1953. 3rd Series Aurelias combine the lightness and nimbleness of the earlier 2. 0 litre cars with the more powerful 115 bhp 2. 5 litre engine. The independent rear suspension was carried over from the 1st and 2nd series cars so oversteer was still available on demand. The heritage certificate on file confirms the car’s original exterior was black with a Nocciola (brown) cloth interior.
Interestingly, this example is one of the few Aurelia B20s that were built by Carrozzeria Maggiora when Pininfarina were briefly at capacity. A note on file from a noted Lancia authority states that only six Maggiora-built B20 GTs survive.
Chassis 2881 is believed to have been imported into the UK in 1962. The original UK buff logbook shows the car was first registered 2 VKP on the 11th February 1963 and the Lancia Motor Club records have the then owner as a Mr. Blundell of Chilham, Kent who owned an Aurelia registered 2 VPK (probably a typo).
In February 1965 the Aurelia was advertised by legendary London dealer Dan Margulies in Motor Sport magazine as a restoration project and was purchased by long-term owner and former Lancia Motor Club president John Savage of Surrey. The car was sold with a dismantled 4th series engine and damage to a front wing. The Margulies invoice is on file.
The dismantled engine was delivered to Farnham-based Lancia guru Harry Manning to be inspected prior to rebuild. Meanwhile the Aurelia’s body was repaired and repainted in dark red in time for display at the 1966 Lancia Motor Club AGM and Concours d’Elegance. As well as displaying the car John used the Aurelia regularly to commute to his work as a sound engineer at Thames Television in Teddington.
Between 1975 and 1992 John campaigned the Aurelia in over 65 competitive motor club events at many of the UK’s best known venues including Goodwood, Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Donington Park and Snetterton. John also competed with 2 VKP on the continent at Le Mans Historic, Nurburgring, Spa, and Zandvoort as well as participating in the 1982 Mille Miglia retrospective.
In 1978 a later 2. 5 litre Aurelia engine was built-up with the assistance of famed Farnham-based Lancia specialist Harry Manning and installed in 2 VKP. The build included several performance upgrades including replica Nardi camshaft, Nardi double twin-choke Weber carburettor conversion and lightened flywheel. John also retained the bonnet vent fitted prior to his 1965 purchase.
In 2008 the Aurelia was acquired by Tim Riley who carried out an extensive refurbishment between 2008 and 2011 at a cost of over £30, 000. The body was repaired and repainted, the interior re-trimmed and bumpers re-chromed. In addition the cylinder head was rebuilt with new valve guides and seats. Other works included replacement of the rear screen rubber and an alternator conversion. A new Facet fuel pump fitted in 2011.
The current owner acquired the Aurelia in 2022 and has since spent around £28, 000 in maintaining and improving the car. Recent works include rear suspension rebuild with replacements mounts and two new Koni rear shock absorbers, adjustment and lubrication of front suspension, lubrication of all grease points, replacement of steering drag link and fixing of various minor oil leaks.
New Michelin X tyres and inner tubes were fitted to Borrani Bi-Metal wheels in early 2024 along with a new fuel sender unit, rear wishbone, brake slave cylinders, distributor cap and U/ J assembly. The rear suspension was also rebuilt with new rear trailing arm mounting bushes. The brakes were rebuilt and the doors were dismantled and window winding mechanisms rebuilt.
Today this well-documented and well-known Aurelia is offered for sale in great condition and is accompanied by one of the largest history files we have seen. The documentation runs to three ring binders plus a large box and includes buff log book, many original invoices, MOT certificates, photographs, technical notes and copies of the Aurelia’s appearances in various magazines and books including pieces by Martin Buckley of Classic & Sportscar who was a great friend of John’s. In addition there are many notes and timing sheets from the car’s competitive appearances.
