In the distant 50s, Lancia’s popularity went off the scale, and the list of innovative solutions amazed and frightened competitors. One such innovation was the world’s first mass-produced V6 engine installed in the Lancia Aurelia.
Source: Bonhams
In the current automotive landscape, the Lancia brand, which is a part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, is hardly noticeable. It is exclusively available for purchase in Italy, and its survival owes much to the loyalty and national pride of Italian customers. However, there were times, when Lancia competed with Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Maserati, and the best European brands, winning races, and bitting these brands with technical innovations and with a fantastic design. Classic car collectors carefully store models of the brand in their garages, treating these vehicles produced in the best years as the most valuable relics. These, of course, include the Aurelia model, equipped with bodies from eminent Italian studios, in particular Vignale.
Source: Tom Hartley Jnr
The Italian automaker introduced Aurelia in 1950. It was Pininfarina auto studio’s creation, under the direct guidance of the talented engineer Vittorio Yano, who left Alfa-Romeo for Pininfarina. Yano’s automobile immediately captivated everyone’s attention with its beauty and grace, making it incredibly competitive in post-war Europe regarding technical innovations. The first in the history of serial automotive production, a V6 engine with aluminum structural elements, a central camshaft, and spherical combustion chambers, was placed under the hood of the first Aurelia. Later, the engine volume gradually increased to 2451 cm3, and power reached the value of 112 hp. The second innovation was a system with one camshaft rotating alloy-made valve lifter. The cylinder head was shortened, giving it greater rigidity, and a Weber two-chamber carburetor was placed between the blocks. The load-bearing body of the model was made of sheet steel, except the hood and doors, which were made of duralumin alloy. The front suspension was independent, and the rear consisted of leaf springs with brakes placed on the main gear. From 1950 to 1953, Lancia produced the initial series of Aurelia, and the first generation remained in existence until 1958. In total, the assembly line churned out 20 thousand cars between 1950 and 1958.
Source: Historic Competitions
The 1958 model year of the Lancia Aurelia boasted an impressive combination of sleek and refined design elements that surpassed all previous modifications introduced during the B20 production run. Notable improvements for the 1958 release included enhancements to the trim, suspension, and gearbox, as well as significant upgrades to the drive shaft and clutch. These modifications addressed the issue of balance, which had been a drawback in earlier models. While the power of the 1958 Aurelia was reduced to 112 horsepower (84 kW), the increased torque compensated for the vehicle’s weight, resulting in improved performance. The Series 6 coupes featured vent windows and chrome strips on the hood, adding to their aesthetic appeal. The 1958 convertible had a resemblance to the fifth series of the model, albeit with minor differences in interior trim. A notable change in the 1958 Aurelia was the placement of the fuel tank. Unlike the previous series where the tank was located behind the seats, in the new model year, the fuel tank was positioned in the trunk. This adjustment allowed for a different configuration and utilization of space. Overall, the 1958 Lancia Aurelia model showcased advancements in both performance and design, with notable improvements to the drivetrain, interior and exterior features, and the overall driving experience.
Source: Bonhams
In 1958, a B24 Convertible version of the model was introduced, receiving full doors, side windows, and a soft roof. A total of 521 B24 Convertibles were sold this year.
Contact us if you have this or another classic car to sell.
| Mon - Fri Saturday Sunday |
9am - 6pm 9am - 3pm Closed |