The Lancia Aurelia was a true heartthrob and an expensive car in its time. It had a strong influence on the automotive industry, with many of its innovative features and stylistic solutions. Moreover, today, it remains a highly sought-after classic, with surviving examples commanding high prices at auctions.
Source: Classic Driver
The Aurelia was considered a highly advanced and innovative automobile at the time of its production. Featuring several technological advancements, such as the first automobile with a V6 engine, and advances and exquisite design, it was also praised for its exceptional handling and performance, with the top-of-the-line B20 GT modification being particularly well-regarded. Additionally, the vehicle was successful in motorsports, winning the 1951 Mille Miglia and the 1952 Targa Florio. Overall, this Italian darling was considered an iconic and significant automobile in automotive history.
Source: Sports Purpose
The Lancia Aurelia was created by the Italian automaker, founded in 1906 by Vincenzo Lancia. The company, which was known for its advanced engineering and innovative design started the development of the Aurelia in the late 1940s, under the direction of the company’s chief engineer, Vittorio Jano. Jano aimed to create a car that would be advanced in terms of both engineering and design. He decided to use a V6 engine, which was a relatively new and untested configuration at the time and advanced unibody construction. After presenting the prototype at the 1950 Turin Motor Show, the model went into mass production with two modifications, the B10, and the B20. Equipped with a 1.8-liter V4 and a 2.5-liter V6, respectively Lancia’s novelty became an immediate success and was praised for its handling, performance, and advanced engineering. Undoubtedly, this model became one of the most desirable icon models, created by this brand.
Source: First Art Museum
The 1952 edition was available in several different modifications, including the B10, B12, and B20. The B10 model was powered by a 1.8-liter V4 engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. It could produce around 50 horsepower and reach a top speed of around 80 mph. The B12 was powered by a 2.5-liter V6 engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. It produced 75 horsepower with a top speed of around 90 mph. The B20 GT model was the most powerful and advanced version of the 1952 model. It was equipped with a 2.5-liter V6 engine and five-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, producing around 90 horsepower and reaching the top 100 mph of speed. All versions of the 1952 edition had a unibody construction, which was considered advanced for the time. The car also featured an independent front suspension, a live rear axle, and drum brakes. In terms of equipment, the 1952 release was well-appointed for a car of its time. It had a radio, a heater, and a cigarette lighter as standard equipment.
The interior of the 1952 edition was luxurious and well-appointed. It featured leather upholstery, wood trim, and other high-end materials. The dashboard was made of polished wood and metal and had a simple and elegant design, with the speedometer and other gauges grouped in the center. The steering wheel was also made of wood and metal and had a small Lancia emblem in the center. The seats were comfortable and supportive, with adjustable headrests. The rear seats were also spacious and comfortable, and the interior featured a spacious and well-designed glove box, door pockets, and a trunk. The windows were operated by a manual crank, and the car also had a sunroof for the B20 GT version. In addition, the automobile had good sound isolation, which made for a comfortable and quiet ride. Overall, the interior of the 1952 release was one the bests of its time.
Source: Revs Institute
Based on the customary practice, the Aurelia was made available not only as a factory-produced sedan but also as a distinct chassis, identified by the B50, B51, B52, or B53 designations, depending on the type of engine. In 1952, Pinin Farina Workshop constructed 265 four-seater convertible cars using the B50 chassis as the foundation.
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