One of the most influential and outstanding Italian cars was highly advanced and innovative. Its ground-breaking V6 engine was a technological marvel, and using a transaxle for optimal weight distribution was a breakthrough in automotive engineering.
Source: Hagerty
The Lancia Aurelia was a groundbreaking automobile that set the standard for many future luxury automobiles. Its V6 engine, designed by Francesco de Virgilio, was a significant innovation, as it was the first production V6 engine in the world. The vehicle’s transaxle, which combined the gearbox, clutch, and differential into one unit, also contributed to its excellent weight distribution. The model was available in various body styles, including a four-door saloon, two-door GT coupe, and convertible, which added to its versatility and appeal. Additionally, the automobile’s elegant styling and superior handling made it a favorite among enthusiasts and critics. It was recognized as one of the most important vehicles of the 1950s and one of the greatest Lancia ever made.
Source: Ruote Vecchie
This model was first introduced in 1950 and was designed under the supervision of Vittorio Jano, who was a renowned engineer and designer. Jano had previously worked for Alfa Romeo and was responsible for designing some of their most successful racing automobiles, including the Alfa Romeo P2, 8C, and 6C. The development of the Aurelia started in the late 1940s, intending to create a luxury automobile that would be technologically advanced and innovative. Jano’s team began work on a new V6 engine, which was a major departure from the traditional in-line engines that were commonly used at the time. The new engine was designed to be more compact and lightweight and featured an all-aluminum construction. In addition to the V6 engine, the model also featured a transaxle, which combined the gearbox, clutch, and differential into one unit. This helped to improve the vehicle’s weight distribution and contributed to its excellent handling. In 1950, the Aurelia made its debut at the Turin Motor Show where it quickly gained popularity. Its sophisticated technology, refined design, and exceptional performance impressed both critics and enthusiasts alike. The car was manufactured in several different body styles, such as a four-door saloon, a two-door GT coupe, a spider, and a convertible, over the following eight years. While production ceased in 1958, the Aurelia remains highly regarded as one of the most significant cars of the 1950s and one of Lancia’s finest creations.
Source: Hagerty for agents
The 1951 edition featured a 1.8-liter V6 engine, which was the world’s first production V6 engine. The engine was designed by Francesco de Virgilio and was made of aluminum alloy to keep the weight down. It had a top power output of 68 horsepower and a top speed of around 90 mph. It was mated to a four-speed manual transaxle, which combined the gearbox, clutch, and differential into one unit, providing optimal weight distribution and excellent handling. The vehicle’s body was made of steel and featured unitary construction, which was a revolutionary technique at the time. The suspension was independent all around, with wishbones and coil springs at the front, and a De Dion tube at the rear. The brakes were inboard at the rear, which helped to reduce unsprung weight and improve handling.
The interior of the 1951 Lancia Aurelia was luxurious and well-appointed: the seats were made of leather and the dashboard – of wood. The vehicle featured a variety of advanced features such as an adjustable steering wheel and a radio. Overall, the 1951 edition was elegant and modern, with clean lines and a spacious cabin. A technologically advanced Aurelia with a V6 engine, transaxle, unitary body construction, and inboard rear brakes turned into a luxury automobile with advanced features and an elegant interior that was widely praised for its excellent performance and handling becoming one of the most important automobiles of the 1950s.
Source: Mecanicus
The 1951 version also served practical purposes. A taxi version was available and utilized in some Italian cities, as well as by the Italian police force as a patrol vehicle, thanks to its advanced technology and impressive performance. Additionally, the 1951 Lancia Aurelia received acclaim for its racing capabilities and proved to be a successful race automobile. The 1951 version even competed in the renowned Mille Miglia endurance race and secured a second-place finish.
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