Perhaps the most technically advanced automobile of its generation, the Lancia Aurelia has appealed to connoisseurs since it first debuted in 1950. Developed under Vittorio Jano and Francesco de Virgilio, the Aurelia was an engineering tour de force that featured sliding-pillar front suspension, fully independent rear suspension, inboard rear brakes, and a rear-mounted four-speed transaxle. Equipped with the world’s first production V-6 engine, the Aurelia was capable of 100 mph performance, while standard radial tires – another production-car first – gave it exceptional roadholding.

Initially offered as a four-door Berlina, Lancia introduced the world to the gran turismo concept in 1951 when it unveiled the B20 GT. An understated 2+2 coupe with styling by Felice Mario Boano, the B20 GT immediately proved successful in motor sports. In 1951 alone, this model captured class wins at the Giro di Sicilia, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Mille Miglia, where Giovanni Bracco and Umberto Maglioli famously drove their Aurelia to 2nd Overall, beaten only by a Ferrari 340 America. The B20 GT’s brilliant performance, quality construction, and clean, unadorned design attracted a discerning clientele, including the era’s top racing drivers; Briggs Cunningham, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Mike Hawthorn were all B20 GT owners.

The B20 GT offered here is among the 408 examples built during the model’s first year of production and one of only 500 Series I cars produced – a small fraction of the 3,871 examples built in total. Prized by collectors, these early-production B20 GTs are distinguished by their Carello “waterfall” headlamps, aluminum bumpers, and Berlina-style dashboard with beautiful Metron gauges. Not only are these early B20 GTs visually distinctive, their free-revving engine, lightweight bodywork, and independent rear suspension contribute to responsive driving dynamics.

According to copies of Italian registration records, chassis B20-1101 was acquired new in July 1951 by Mario Maffei of Biella, Italy. Remarkably, it remained in the same region for over six decades, passing through the hands of three subsequent owners. In 2015, the B20 GT was acquired by noted Lancia-aficionado Leo Schigiel of Miami, who commissioned Carrozzeria Capello of Italy to perform a show-quality restoration. This process, which took over two years to complete, is responsible for the car’s exemplary condition today. Upon completion, the B20 GT was inspected by Lancia Classiche and issued a Certificazione di Autenticita, confirming that its engine (no. 1122) and transaxle (no. 98) match the factory build record. Elegantly finished in black with light brown upholstery, this B20 GT is equipped with a Nardi steering wheel and accompanied by a tool kit, jack, luggage, and history file, including copies of Italian registration records and Lancia Classiche documents. Surely among the finest examples of its kind ever offered at public auction, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a magnificent example of one of the all-time great GT cars.