Lancia’s Aurelia was a kaleidoscope of models, from the slightly frumpy B10 to the luminous Spider America. Not only did the sheet metal change, but Lancia was ever in self-improvement mode, tinkering around the edges of its unique solutions to common engineering problems. Early on, attention was focused on Francesco de Virgilio’s V6 engine – the first ever put into production. Output and displacement crept up steadily through the first series Aurelias and into the second series when Lancia managed to extract 90 hp from a high-compression, dual-Weber, hot-cam’d 1991 cc mill. Displacement rose yet again, and starting in 1954, the rest of the package finally gained upgrades including de Dion rear suspension, a reconfigured transaxle, and luxe interiors. It was in this time frame that the B24s were built by Pinin Farina, beginning with the Spider America. Later in the series, the cabriolet arrived. Only 761 B24s were made, making this 1958 Lancia Aurelia B24S cabriolet, offered by Gooding & Company at its Amelia Island auction on March 1 a rare sight – all the more so because this car has never been restored. The auction estimate is $200,000 to $250,000, and the car is selling without reserve. Gooding notes that the car is a restoration prospect.
By the time this car emerged from the factory, the V6 was displacing 2451 cc’s and producing 110 hp. Compact and light, the engine sent out a siren song to one Enrico Nardi – a gentleman deserving of more attention in these pages than we have had the opportunity to grant him. Nardi toiled on the periphery of the Italian racing car industry, occasionally building his own specials, and occasionally working for Scuderia Ferrari, Lancia, and others. He eventually found his niche producing speed equipment and accessories (most familiar: the Nardi steering wheel). This car is equipped with a Nardi speed kit, including twin Webers, a “Y” water pipe, and – perhaps missing – a cast aluminum air cleaner assembly. This set-up is precious, as this listing from Rubino illustrates: the entire kit all the way to the camshaft costs in the neighborhood of $17k. Meanwhile, the car’s beautiful balance comes courtesy of a four-speed transaxle; stopping power is supplied by four-wheel drum brakes, with the rears inboard.
The promise of its mechanicals is buttressed by the interior: leather seats with bolsters in all the right places, two large centrally-placed Jaeger gauges, that wonderful wood-rimmed steering wheel…. what’s not to like. Ok, the top is tattered beyond use, but who needs a top. The car comes with its original tools and jack, an assortment of extra parts, and records back to the 1960s.
The B24S manages both elegance and masculinity, with its dignified grille and understated trim set against pronounced haunches and an almost delicate hood scoop. The genius of Pinin Farina is wholly evident. I’m always thrilled to view or drive a Lancia; I miss the company. Alas, its engineering obsession compelled it to create far too many models in a quest for perfection – beyond all commercial justification – shredding its finances in the process. But some lucky buyer will capture a part of the best of Lancia when this car arrives home in its new garage.
*All images copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company. Photos by Mike Maez.
Omg, I’m in love, or is that lust?
The engine, twin 2 barrel carbs had me.
Always loved Lancia’s, actually bought a Lancer beta, but returned it to the car yard the next day, the rust was terminal, did not pass a roadworthy.
$200k US for this? About $10k to bring to Aus? Hmmmm I can manage that.
Lets see.
This, or my dreamcar Fanalone.
Oh hell, its MY dream, so I say both…😁
I enjoy looking at these barn find older Italian cars a la Alfas, Lancias etc and trying to estimate their worth before I look at their asking prices. I do have good car knowledge but not these. I estimated this car in the unrestored condition to be in the $35-40K range, just for fun. Boy! Am I way off! Obviously this is desirable to those that know them and appears to be a special model. I love the lines of these 50’s roadsters, classic and art worthy. It will be fun to see what this car goes for!!
I owned one back in the day as a sophomore in undergraduate college! I was driving my second MG-TD when a local dealer, Nick Celibrittos in Kutztown, Pa had one for sale. My Dad and I drove the MG in, drove the Lancia (used) and made a deal. Believe it or not, back then, they were valued only slightly more than a MG or big Healey! I kept the car, red with black leather interior, for about two years. I hill climbed the car at the Springtown Hill climb and also the Duryea Hill winning my class. They were fast, well built , great sounding and engineered autos that rightfully competed against the Ferraris of the time. Great memories and last, the smell of the Castor oil (Castrol Racing) was the high of the day!
I have many autos in my collection as well as motorcycles and wish that I could add. At 83 it would be a major undertaking but well worth it. This car may be best left “original” …….says much about the Marque and the engineering standards it set. I presently do have a rally Lancia (based on the Monte Carlo, in my stable; makes a statement as to the heritage of the great Lancia brand.
It’s really quite amazing to me that such a lovely and iconic machine has been subjected to such neglect. What were its owner(s) thinking.? Not much, and illustrates such stupidity. Well worth a recommission taking into consideration whomever undertakes it will need some serious financial resources.
I love these cars and yes they were not that much back in the 70s. Real Kurt Jurgens from “And God Created Woman”
What pure beauty and simplicity!! Couple that with Lancia engineering and you have an almost perfect car. And this was 1958! Compare this with 1958 American cars— the ‘58 Buick for example.
Anyone interested in Lancia engines must read Geoff Goldberg’s recent book, “De Virgilio: From The Center.”
The B24S is way more attractive than the B24S “America” version, which had a transplanted wrap-around windshield, obviously a marketing ploy.
A year ago, since I couldn’t afford the earlier Lancias’ hair-raising prices, I bought a ’72 Fulvia 1600HF, a wonderful car for a third the price of an early 911.
Ah yes, the HF. GREAT car. I drove one a million years ago that belonged to two brothers who were obsessed with rallying and Lancias. It was so responsive, of course, they’d tuned it to within an inch of its life, but what a car. Lucky you.
We all miss Lancia as a brand, dear Michelle. Vincenzo Lancia, the founder was smart minded both as an engineer and as market man. He was one of the first in the automobile industry to guess that technical enhancement was a powerful legerage to trigger the fancy will on automobiles. In Italy, France and other European Countries hundreads of small companies rose on the first decades of the last century, but only a fistful of them flourished. They released very good product indeed, but simple copies or patent of what was still araound. Lancia pushed on innovation (eg. Lancia Lambda with its record of innovative patents), the V6 60° narrow engine the first V6 to gain mass production. Lastly the wonders createt by the pencils of Pininfarina as the Aurelia listed here. We do still miss Mr. Lancia.
Thank you, Michelle, for the great writeup on the Aurelia! As a former Lancia (and Alfa) owner, this old gent is thrilled to see that another of these classics has survived. Hopefully, this example will undergo a total restoration.
sold $112,000