To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The
Elkhart Collection event, 23 - 24 October 2020.
Estimate:
$140,000 - $180,000
- Desirable late-production example
- Left-hand-drive, 2.5-liter, and floor-shifted transmission
- Very well-maintained restoration in attractive colors
- Fitted with the desirable and sporty Nardi kit
- One of the favorite driving cars in the collection
- Veteran of the California Mille
The Lancia Aurelia B20 GT is vastly appreciated in Europe but
little-known here in the United States, except by those fortunate
enough to own one. Those owners know their superb engineering and
excellent performance, with fine road holding from a de Dion rear
axle, and a V-6 engine enabling a top speed of 112 mph. Examples of
the model ran with considerable success at all of the most famous
venues of the era, including Le Mans, the Targa Florio, the Mille
Miglia, and Monte Carlo Rallye. The styling was also subtly
graceful, as well, courtesy of Pinin Farina.
The Aurelia B20 GT coupe offered here is a late-production Series
6, distinguished by roll-up windows, improved sound deadening, and
a triangular quarter vent window, as well as the larger 2.5-liter,
all-alloy V-6 engine with Weber 40 DCL5 carburetor and de Dion rear
axle. It also boasts the desirable features of left-hand drive and
a floor-shifted manual transmission. Reportedly a former California
car, the B20 was fully restored in previous ownership, with the
mechanical components noted as being rebuilt by Iggy Francimore of
New York. The body is finished in a beautiful dark blue, with an
interior in natural cloth bound in tan leather, featuring a
handsome wooden steering wheel, beautiful gauges, and a Becker
Grand Prix radio.
In 2008 the car was acquired for the current collection, shortly
after which the engine was fully rebuilt by notable Aurelia
experts. At that time a unique oil filter adapter was made for the
convenient use of standard oil filters. The Lancia has now remained
in the collection for over a decade and has been one of the
favorite cars for driving, as seen by its participation in the
California Mille in 2010, and is reported to be a truly fine road
car in the best Aurelia B20 GT tradition.To view this car and
others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/el20.