LANCIA AURELIA B24 SPIDER AMERICA

• Extremely impressive restored example 
• Mille Miglia Eligible
• One of  only 240 examples built
• One of 181 left hand drive examples
• Fitted with the desirable Borrani wire wheels
• Comprehensively restored between 2022 and 2024
• Documented with Lancia production record, ACI estratto cronologico, restoration photos, and Libretto di Circolazione???
• Considered as one of the design masterpieces of the 50’s
• Charming, striking and quintessentially Italian, perhaps no automotive design better sums up La Dolce Vita
• Designed for the American market with left-hand drive and unique features such as a larger fuel tank

“Its excellence is total, as it should be…” Sports Cars Illustrated, 1957.

“There is no question about it. What still amazes me is how advanced they are even now in terms of road-holding, handling and performance, to say nothing of the extraordinary quality” – Lancia aficionado and collector Dr Michael Coucher speaking in 1989 of his own Aurelia B24 Spider America.

Lancia was established in 1906, in Turin, Italy, by the famous racing driver Vincenzo Lancia. 

His company soon became known for elegant design and impressive technical innovations, a prime example of which was the Lambda of 1922, which is now regarded as one of the great pre-war engineering masterpieces. 

Lancia has been always well known because of their advanced technology which was resulting in a high priced car in comparison to the competition.

First car ever to employ a V6 engine, the Aurelia was launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show.

The B10 saloon was joined in 1951 by the landmark, Pinin Farina-styled B20 Coupe.

The Aurelia showed obvious sporting qualities and successes were not long in coming, starting with Bracco’s second place in the famous Mille Miglia in May 1951, behind the much more powerful Luigi Villoresi’s Ferrari.

Introduced in 1953, the subsequent series B20s were powered by a 2,451cc, 118bhp version of the pushrod V6, and this unit was adopted for the B24 Spider launched in 1955.

A version more specifically designed for the United States appeared, the B24 Spider America. Based on a shortened coupé platform, a sublime roadster with a panoramic windscreen.

Presented at the 1955 Brussels Motor Show, the Spider B24 S (for “sinistra”, left-hand drive) was designed by Francesco Martinengo for Pininfarina.

It was a very expensive car at the time, it cost twice as much as a Jaguar XK 140. 

In total, only 240 examples were produced, only in 1955, of which 181 were left-hand drive. 

The following year it was replaced by the less sporting and softer B24S Convertible.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

This sublime restored B24 Spider America, equipped with the optional Borrani wire rims, is one of just 240 examples ever built.

According to a Lancia production record on file,  this specific example was completed in June 1955, finished as it appears today, in Grigio paint over an interior trimmed in Red leather. 

An ‘ACI Estratto Cronologico’ clarifies that the Aurelia passed through a modest chain of Italian owners.

At the 23rd of July 1955 the Lancia was delivered to its first owner, Mr.  Ugo Biagioni Gazzoli a gentleman in Terni, Umbria, Central Italy.

Mr. Biagioni Gazzoli in September 1955 moved to Rome and consequent he registered the Lancia in Rome.

Subsequently it was sold in Alessandria, Piedmont, Italy,  the 21st of February 1957 under the name of Ditta Società per Azioni Mariano Delle Piane in Novi Ligure.

The B24 was acquired by a new owner the 8th of June 1958, Mr. Nicola Ciaffi and registered in Milan.

The car remained registered in Milan until January 1967, when it was acquired by a new Italian owner in Treviso.

The next recorded owner is  a Mr. Gino Ferri who bought the car in January 1983 and registered in Udine, northeastern Italy.

In January 1993, it was purchased by the respected collector, Pier Luigi Chiesa of Biella.

In October 2021 it was sold to an Italian enthusiast residing in Lugano, Switzerland for 825.000,- €.

The Lancia was entrusted in February 2022 to the respected classic car specialist Autoriparazioni Stefano Coratelli in Lugano, Switzerland.

The B24S then underwent a thorough refurbishment that included a complete rebuild of the gearbox, brakes, suspension, electrical systems, and ancillary engine components. 

The engine itself was deemed to have been recently rebuilt, but this work was supplemented with further sympathetic attention, and the entire engine compartment was detailed. 

The coachwork was refinished in the proper original shade of Grigio while the interior was expertly retrimmed in Red leather.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

This Lancia underwent a complete nut and bolt restoration whereby the entire car was restored on an extremely high level.

The body including all the chrome parts have been totally restored.

The beautiful lines of its aluminium body showing a restrained elegance that exudes luxury and sophistication.

The colour really suits the car and emphasises all of Pininfarina’s sculptured lines and curves. 

The more you look at the car the more details you notice!

It all starts at the front, which features the ornate Lancia grille and air intakes which are encased by beautiful curved body lines. 

The grille as well as all other chrome parts are in excellent order even as the lamps and the surrounding of the air intake on the bonnet.

The sinuous lines continue towards the rear of the car: the long hood, swept-back headlights, and sweeping lines flow from the front fenders to the rear add to the car’s aerodynamic profile.

The chrome on the car like the bumpers and window surroundings are in excellent / as new conditon.

The chrome “Ruote Borrani” wire wheels have a sublime appearance and are in a beautiful condition.

CONDITION INTERIOR

The car’s interior is also a testament to Lancia’s commitment to luxury and comfort. The cabin is upholstered in sumptuous Red leather and features a simple yet elegant dashboard design.

The simplicity of the dashboard is a work of art and ads to the attraction and elegance of the car. 

Due to the careful use of the former owner since the restoration, the interior still is in a beautiful condition and doesn’t show any signs of use. 

The instruments and controls are all in good working order. 

The finish of the upholstery is excellent and the seats are very comfortable.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The very best in Italian sporting elegance…

We’ve been in and out of this car and it looks fabulous and is delightful to drive.

Fully restored to the highest standards and with the perfect colour combination.

The driving experience of the B24 reflects the fabulous looks of the car.

Under the hood, the 2,451cc V6 engine, paired with a four-speed manual transaxle, delivers a driving experience that is both powerful and refined.

We already knew from the books that Lancia had always been synonymous with state of art technology and we were completely convinced after our 2018, 2019 and 2020 Mille Miglia experience in a Lancia Lambda. 

The timelessly stylish body is accompanied by wonderful road manners and a delightful engine.

Due to Lancia’s racing histories and innovative and unconventional technical features, this Lancia is not just looking as a piece of art but is also driving extremely well.

It also represents an exceptional opportunity to drive the most beautiful Lancia in history, and certainly one of the rarest and most sought-after.

Whether you are a collector, a Mille Miglia enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates automotive beauty, the Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America 1955 is undoubtedly one car you will not forget.