We’re no strangers to Italian classics at Barn Finds, although this is only the second Lancia Aurelia B20 GT we have seen since the site’s creation. This 1956 example presents nicely, although the buyer can enhance its interior if they wish to leave their mark on this beauty. The engine bay houses a V6 that delivers surprisingly energetic performance. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Araknid78 for spotting the Lancia listed here on eBay in Bremerton, Washington. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve, sitting at $5,100 at the time of writing.
Lancia launched the Aurelia in 1950, with final cars rolling off the line in 1958. Initially only available in Sedan form, the B20 GT Coupe joined the range late in the initial production year. The seller states that although the registration lists this GT as a 1957, it was built in 1956. There is something inherently “right” about Italian classics painted Red, and this GT is no exception. Its presentation is tidy, with no significant cosmetic flaws. The seller doesn’t mention rust, and I see no evidence of potential problems in the listing images. With the trim and glass in good condition, it is fair to say that this Aurelia ticks the boxes for those seeking a tidy driver-grade classic.
From inception until the final cars left the line, the Aurelia B20 GT was V6-only territory. The engine architecture remained essentially unchanged, although the capacity grew as the Aurelia evolved. Featuring extensive use of alloy, this 2.5-liter powerplant sends 116hp and 134 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed rear-mounted manual transaxle. The performance of this combination is surprisingly energetic, and the Aurelia B20 GT enjoyed significant competition success during its production life. The seller indicates that this classic isn’t numbers-matching, having received a replacement motor at some point. It has just emerged from storage, receiving new clutch cylinders and a carburetor rebuild. There may be further work required to ensure that the Lancia is genuinely roadworthy, but the seller confirms that the Aurelia runs and drives.
I would describe this Lancia’s interior as serviceable, and fitting slipcovers to the seats would hide the worst of its shortcomings. The Black vinyl looks surprisingly good, but the cloth seat inserts, particularly on the driver’s seat, are failing and require replacement. Some painted surfaces could use a refresh, but the carpet and three-spoke wheel appear to be in good condition. The quirkiness adopted by some Italian manufacturers is apparent when you examine this Lancia’s gauges. The tachometer features a clock mounted in the lower section, while auxiliary gauges line the inner ring of the speedometer. This interior also features a period-correct pushbutton radio.
Rarity claims can be challenging to verify, but several sources agree that Lancia produced only about 119 examples of the Aurelia B20 GT Coupe in 1956. That means that you won’t see many of these classics on your daily travels. This Aurelia isn’t perfect, but recent successful sales suggest bidding should easily top $60,000 before the hammer falls. Regardless of the final figure, surpassing the reserve means it will find a new home in a few days. Are you tempted to make this GT yours?
SC is a Glasgow number. Nice car.
Imported from Singapore in 1976.
Not Glasgow. The eBay listing has a photo of the Singapore registration book in my brother’s name. I brought this car to the US from Singapore in 1976.
Not somewhere I ever thought of as RHD users! You understand my mistake – plus the plate size is the same.
I know nothing about this car! But it looks really cool and it seems cheap. Therefore, I want it.
The engine is from a B24, not a complete sin but a collector could quibble. I prefer Aurelias in more subdued colors – just my own opinion but I think red “buries” the beautiful Boano/Pininfarina lines. Substantial differences in valuations between the Series will help determine the final price here. For racing/rallying and performance pursuits, the earlier Series are more desireable and bring the highest prices; the Series VI is less valuable but more tractable for the average driver (me). RHD will also prove a detriment.
The phrase “further work required” will ring the register to the tune of tens of thousands. Ask me how I know. The photo is mine, in the “hospital”.
I would never buy an Aurelia unseen. This model contains “double wall” metal sections, where once rust appears, you’re looking at substantial fabrication to effect repair to both the externally visible portions as well as the segments underneath. Yay.
The current price is a parts price but that’s irrelevant until the auction closes, when we see what the market really thinks.
Nice car and I’d assume pretty rare. Are the taillights BMC ie Sprite, MGA etc?
Those do appear to be BMC taillights but they are incorrect. They should be Carello.
I love Lancia cars through the 60s.
Nice write-up Adam. Thanks for the acknowledgement.
Hard to believe this is beyond the reserve. This exact car was on bring a trailer and bid to 42,000 and did not sell.
I just saw that. I think it was also at Gullwing for a couple years https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1038293781662586&id=100064459218998
Perhaps a scam?
Bidder beware!
It looks like someone just want’s to get rid of it. The seller has a 100% positive feedback rating with 845 items sold thus far, and 157 followers on eBay so it’s a real sale.
Hard to believe this is beyond the reserve. This exact car was on bring a trailer and bid to 42,000 and did not sell.
Sometimes Scott, when you don’t sell a car, you raise the price!!! I know that is counterintuitive, however in our world today it seems to create interest! Hmmmmmmmm?? I don’t have much Lancia experience. It certainly is a classic looking vehicle however it is not in my wheelhouse $wise!!
Right-hand-drive is going to limit its desirability in this country.
I’ll be astounded if this sells for less than $80K, even if it’s not numbers matching
and RHD. These are valuable cars.
This car sold for $40k.