For Sale at Auction: 1958 Lancia Aurelia in Monterey, California

Chassis No. B20S1763
Engine No. B205409

At the 1951 Turin Motor Show, Lancia introduced the B20 GT coupe variant of the groundbreaking Aurelia, featuring elegant Pinin Farina-designed bodywork that established the template for the modern 2+2 grand tourer. The B20's mechanical specification evolved throughout production, with engine displacement increasing to 2.5-liters with the Series III, the adoption of a De Dion rear suspension in the Series IV, and reaching its final and most refined form in the Series VI. The combination of sporting capability and refined luxury made the B20 equally at home on both racing circuits and city boulevards.

The Aurelia proved its capabilities dramatically in the 1951 Mille Miglia, where Giovanni Bracco and Umberto Maglioli drove their B20 GT to a remarkable second-place finish overall, competing against vehicles with more than twice their engine displacement. This achievement, followed by successes in events like the Carrera Panamericana and Targa Florio, cemented the Aurelia's sporting credentials. Today, these automobiles remain highly sought after as one of the earliest examples of the post-war generation of elegant Gran Turismos.

Built in 1958, chassis number 1763 hails from the sixth and final series of production and therefore benefits from all of the various upgrades implemented over the preceding series, including a more robust, split-case transaxle, de Dion rear suspension, a 112-horsepower 2.5-liter V6 engine, along with a more favorable seating position, side vent windows, improved sound insulation, and Jaeger instrumentation. According to previous research, this left-hand drive "S" model (for Sinistra) was originally delivered in Florida before being relocated to Toronto, Canada, in the 1980s.

The car later passed to Frank Allocca, a New Jersey-based collector and car dealer. During his tenure, significant mechanical work was reportedly undertaken, including a refurbishment of the transaxle, retrimming of the interior, and service by renowned restoration shop Paul Russell & Company in Essex, Massachusetts, during the late 1990s. By 2003, the car changed hands again, joining rock band manager and prominent automotive journalist Jamie Kitman in New York. The Lancia then passed to a collection in Southern California for a number of years before joining the current Arizona-based caretaker in 2014-an avid enthusiast and prominent collector of spectacular European sports cars.

The car retains what is thought to be its original alloy V6 engine (number B20 5409), complete with its single Weber 40 DCL5 twin-choke carburetor and air-cleaner assembly, housed in an undisturbed engine compartment. The bodywork, likewise, appears to be largely intact with what is thought to be much of its original white paintwork, which shows faint checking throughout. While the cabin was reupholstered during Allocca's ownership, the switchgear, Jaeger instrumentation, Sekurit side and rear glass, wood-rimmed steering wheel, and floor shift all appear to be original.

The car presents as a well-preserved example that has been thoughtfully maintained-with recent work reportedly including a comprehensive brake overhaul with new linings and rebuilt hydraulic components. It shows an authentic patina that reflects careful stewardship rather than neglect, and would make a rewarding project or enjoyable tourer on vintage rally or tour events.