1954 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT Series IV Coupé
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Pinin Farina
Registration no. 47 ELF
Chassis no. B20-2991
Engine no. 3576

Introduced in 1907, the Vincenzo Lancia's first car showed an independence of thought and defiance of convention that would remain associated with the marque well into the modern era. Lancia recommenced production after WW2 with the Aprilia and its smaller cousin the Ardea, but waiting in the wings was yet another groundbreaking design: the Aurelia. Lancia's classic Aurelia, the first car ever to employ a V6 engine, was launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show. Designed in wartime by Francesco de Virgilio, the 1,754cc 60-degree V6 was of all-aluminium construction and used overhead valves operated via short pushrods instead of Lancia's traditional overhead camshafts. An advanced unitary construction design, the Aurelia retained Lancia's 'sliding pillar' independent front suspension, first seen on the Lambda, but used a novel semi-trailing-arm layout at the rear, another world first. The transmission too, was unusual, comprising a two-piece prop-shaft and combined gearbox/rear transaxle on which were mounted the inboard brakes, though for once this was not an entirely new departure.

The B10 saloon was joined the following year by the Pinin Farina-styled B20 Coupé, a fastback '2+2' on a shortened wheelbase which, with its combination of sports car performance and saloon car practicality, can be said to have introduced the Gran Turismo concept to the world. The Aurelia engine had been increased to 1,991cc in 1951 and it was this unit in up-rated form that went into the B20. Lighter and higher geared than the saloon, the B20 was good for a top speed of over 100mph. Stunning the motor racing world, a mildly race-developed B20 driven by chain-smoking, brandy-swigging Giovanni Bracco finished 2nd in the 1951 Mille Miglia, beaten only by Luigi Villoresi's 4.1-litre works Ferrari! It is worth noting that the nimble Aurelia was actually faster than the Ferrari over the mountain passes north of Florence.

Introduced in 1953, the 3rd and subsequent series B20s were powered by a 2,451cc, 118bhp version of the pushrod V6, while 4th-series onwards cars had De Dion rear suspension instead of the original semi-trailing-arm arrangement. It is worthwhile noting that from the Series IV onwards the cylinder block featured Vandervell shell bearings rather than the Series I/II/III's white metal bearings, which are more difficult to renew. The engine's external appearance is the same.

The Lancia factory publication, The History of Lancia 1906-1989, states that 1,231 2.0-litre B20 GTs were produced (Series I and II) plus a further 1,880 2½-litre cars (Series III to VI). An engineering tour de force clothed in sublime coachwork by Italy's foremost carrozzeria, the Aurelia B20 represents for many the zenith of Lancia's post-war production.

This B20 GT is one of the first right-hand drive Series IV cars built. According to the official build records, it was released on 25th June 1954 finished in Grigio and fitted with engine number '3576', which it retains to this day. This car has been comprehensively restored by marque specialists Omicron Engineering Ltd and is now resplendent in pearlescent silver-grey paintwork and blue trim. It also features the desirable Nardi floor shift.

A previous owner was the prolific and respected motor historian and author Anthony Pritchard, who was an authority on Italian racing and sports cars having written many books on Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and the Mille Miglia. Pritchard bought a Series IV B20 GT from legendary Lancia guru Harry Manning in 1965 for £545. He sold the car some time later. Fast forward to 2010 and Pritchard decided he wanted another of these cars. He instructed Omicron, the well-known Lancia experts, to find a suitable car. Omicron tracked down this example in Massachusetts, USA in the process of being restored. They bought the car on Pritchard's behalf and shipped it back to the UK. Omicron then completed the restoration including an extensive mechanical overhaul and engine rebuild with invoices totalling over £37,000. It was only when the Aurelia was back in the UK that Pritchard realised it was the very same car he had owned 45 years previously! He applied to the DVLA, who reissued the car's original registration '47 ELF', which it carries today.

There is a comprehensive history file with the car detailing the work undertaken by Omicron as well as further recent expenditure totalling some £13,000. After acquiring the car, the current owner took it to Thornley Kelham, the Lancia Aurelia specialists based in Cirencester, and instructed them to do a vehicle health check and resolve any issued they could identify. Work carried out included fitting a new set of Michelin X tyres. The car has since returned to Thornley Kelham for annual servicing. Most recently the Aurelia appeared on the Lancia stand at the NEC Classic Car Show in November 2022, successfully completing the 180-mile round trip without issue. Eligible for a host of prestigious historic events including the Mille Miglia, this beautiful Aurelia B20 GT is ready to enjoy.