Vehicle Description
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<font size = "4">"The coolest looking Lancia Aurelia!" -Bruce
Canepa
of only 9 total builds from Thornley Kelham
<font size = "4">Over 5,000 build hours
Based on the Bracco Aurelia race car for inspiration
3" chopped roof, bespoke bodywork, custom interior
Lancia Flaminia-based 2.8 liter v6 producing 225 horsepower
4-speed manual transmission
The Lancia Aurelia B20 GT came from humble beginnings. The original
Aurelias had the first production V6 engines, and it only took a
matter of time before people started testing their limits. The
first series of B20 GT cars were built in early 1950. They were
2-door sports cars and were considered some of the first Gran
Turismo cars in the world. During the 1951 Mille Miglia, demand
outstripped supply for these little sports cars after proving their
worth during the races. With an adept chassis and significant power
for the time, the cars were becoming popular and eventually evolved
over time spanning the course of 6 different series of Aurelia B20
GTs.
Not often does the idea come about of turning an Aurelia B20 GT
into some sort of "outlaw", a car that is restored and upgraded
without the usual rules of engagement if concours shows. Thornely
Kelham of Gloucestershire isn't just your normal restoration
facility, as they have the skills and know-how to create designs
anew. Having sourced and restored the "Bracco" Aurelia B20 GT, a
special racecar that took 2nd overall in the Mille Miglia and a
scored a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1951, Thornely was
acutely aware of the intricacies of the Aurelia platform, but also
heavily drawn towards it. One of the most notable features of the
Bracco car was the hot rod-like chopped roof, no doubt in an effort
to streamline the car at the time. After the restoration and
appearance at Pebble Beach in 2015, the idea was planted of a
Fuorilegge ("outlaw" in Italian), which brings us to this special
car.
The 1st B20GT Outlaw project began with an American collector
asking Thornley Kelham if they would build something like the
Bracco car, but with modern upgrades paired with the "outlaw"
philosophy that has been popularized by the Porsche 356 community.
With "about a half a second of hesitation" they said yes, they
could do that. They found a disheveled 6th series Aurelia, stripped
it down to the bare bones, and began to chop, widen, and create the
outlaw. Over 5,000 hours were invested in that first car and the
cars after it, it being the test bed and having a large amount of
creative license to create what Thornley Kelham thought would be
the best interpretation. All four fenders were widened, fatter
tires fitted, Jaguar D-type style wheels added, bumpers and rain
rails removed, the front turn signals hidden inside of the head
lights, Nardi scoop cut into the hood. On the inside, an Alcantara
headliner, Porsche Speedster seats, and an FIA-spec roll cage
certainly gives the vibe of a street racer with class.
Mechanically, the car was quite different than before. While the
Lancia uses a Flaminia V6 engine, it was bored out to 2.8-liters
with more powerful camshafts and a custom exhaust to produce about
185hp, giving a healthy boost over a stock engine. The steering
rack was upgraded to a rack and pinion setup, brakes upgraded to
discs on all four corners (but inboard brakes on the rear), and the
sliding pillar suspension has custom gas-filled shock absorbers to
look factory but produce modern handling capabilities.
When the time came to reveal the newly-created outlaw, Thornley
Kelham were a little anxious as they were not sure how the car
would be received. Fortunately for them, the B20 GT outlaw was met
with thunderously positive responses at the 2015 Salon Prive' held
at Blenheim Palace. Two orders for the cars were made that day, and
then two more shortly afterwards. Soon enough, Thornley Kelham were
building their 5th and 6th cars in January of 2019.
Aurelia B20 GT Outlaw chassis #3, the car here, is one of the early
orders for Thornley Kelham.
Finished in Lancia Racing Blue with a creme stripe over the hood
and paired with a beautiful Oxblood Red interior. This vehicle is a
true masterpiece, owing to its many meaningful specifications. One
of which is the seats which are inspired by the 275 GTB to help
preserve the overall Italian-ness of the car. Another is the
2.8-liter engine, which, like other Aurelia Outlaws, now has fuel
injection. This car however has been fitted with a more improved
fuel injection system allowing for an output of 225hp. Air
conditioning was added to keep you cool, an upgraded pedal setup
for supreme feedback, a special smaller Lancia steering wheel, an
analog gauge panel under the dash, Series 1 Art Deco headlights,
and a few other subtle touches that set this car apart from any
others. The sloping roofline is still one of the most stunning
parts of the car, hand formed by the artesian craftsman of Thornley
Kelham.
Since its completion in 2019, this Outlaw has garnered just over 3k
miles with drives in the 2019 Coupe de Alps (France) and in the
Zoute Grand Prix (Belgium). When it was brought over to the US, it
was cautiously air-freighted to avoid the possibility of sea
transport corrosion. After touching down, the vehicle was then
displayed at the Quail in 2021 and was most recently featured on an
episode of Jay Leno's Garage.
When the Lancia arrived at Canepa, eyes wandered over to the car
and began taking in all the details. The deep Lancia Blue color,
the swooping body lines, the immense attention to detail, and the
supreme craftsmanship. One of the most unique and stunning cars to
come through Canepa's doors, it was certain that the Lancia was in
the right place among the other cars in our facility.
Being able to custom design and build a car with the highest degree
of quality and attention to detail is quickly becoming a lost art.
Finding skilled craftsman to carry out someone's ultimate vision is
increasingly difficult, but the team at Thornley Kelham have not
only managed to do it, but they have completely surpassed the
previously-set bar. From the nickel-plated hardware to the perfect
metal shaping of all the fenders by hand, the custom upholstered
seats to the ultimate tactile and sensory feedback that the
steering, suspension, and the 2.8-liter Lancia V6.
The Lancia Aurelia B20GT Outlaw is a car that will be remembered
and cherished for years to come.
Builders Lancia Outlaw #3
SPECIFICATIONS & MODIFICATIONS
Bodywork
� Series 1 headlights, Art Deco styling. Only Outlaw in the series
of 9 to be outfitted
� Roof line lowered 3 inches and gutters removed for a smooth
profile
� Front and rear fenders widened 2 inches on each side
� Front indicators eliminated (incorporated into headlamps)
� Rear lamps B20GT Series 2 style, incorporating indicators
� External Monza style fuel filler cap (FIA approved)
� Nardi bonnet scoop
� Internal body stiffening to rear arches, B-post, seat bulkheads
and parcel shelf
� Lancia racing dark blue paint with cream bonnet stripe and wheel
centers
Mechanical/Running Gear
� Flaminia 2.8 litre engine producing 225 hp with 4 speed transaxle
used for strength and extra capacity
� Fully reworked with Carrillo connecting rods and forged pistons
with a fast road profile camshaft,
ported heads, raised compression ratio...for more information
please contact the seller.
