Vehicle Description
Lancia introduced the Aurelia at the 1950 Torino Motor Show,
immediately establishing it as a technical benchmark in automotive
engineering. Spearheaded by the legendary engineer Vittorio Jano,
the Aurelia featured many innovative technical features, including
a rear-mounted transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension,
inboard rear brakes, and an aluminum V-6 engine developed by
Francesco de Virgilio.
The sporting pedigree of the Aurelia became evident with the
introduction of the B20 GT. At the 1951 Mille Miglia, a
factory-prepared Aurelia, driven by Giovanni Bracco and Umberto
Maglioli, secured a class win and finished second overall, trailing
only the winning Scuderia Ferrari 340 America. This success was
followed by further race victories, including a class win at Le
Mans, cementing the Aurelia's reputation as a formidable
competition car.
Unveiled at the 1955 Brussels Motor Show, the B24 Spider America
represented the pinnacle of Aurelia performance and design. Sharing
its 2.5-liter V-6 engine and De Dion rear axle with the Series IV
B20 GT, the Spider America was built on a shorter chassis and
featured a standard floor-shift transmission. With a top speed
approaching 115 mph, it ranked among the fastest open sports cars
of its era, making it a sought-after choice for discerning
enthusiasts.
Designed by Pinin Farina, the Spider America featured elegant yet
aggressive styling, characterized by cut-down doors, split bumpers,
and a dramatic wraparound windscreen inspired by contemporary
dream-car aesthetics. As a true sports car, it was a strict
two-seater equipped with a lightweight folding top and side
curtains in place of conventional roll-up windows. The model was
intended primarily for the American market, with the majority of
the 240 examples produced configured in left-hand drive. Its
rarity, advanced engineering, and stunning design have made the B24
Spider America one of the most coveted road-going Lancias ever
built.
This particular Spider America was discovered in California around
1980 by Olof Anderson, a vintage racer and Volvo mechanic based on
the Monterey Peninsula. Photographs taken prior to restoration
depict an original, complete car free from significant corrosion or
structural damage. Anderson began the restoration process but never
progressed beyond the initial stages, leaving the car in storage
for nearly three decades.
In 2009, Anderson sold the Lancia to Mark Sange of Bolinas,
California, a fellow vintage racer and collector with a passion for
Italian boutique marques. Later that year, noted collector Joe
Hayes of Chicago acquired the car and committed to a Pebble
Beach-level restoration-an undertaking rarely attempted on these
intricate and costly-to-restore Aurelias.
Between 2010 and 2012, the restoration was executed to the highest
standards, exceeding $350,000 in total costs. Several renowned
Lancia specialists contributed their expertise to the project.
Will's Garage Co. of Oakdale, Pennsylvania, handled the
disassembly, bodywork, paint, and chrome refinishing, while
upholstery and top restoration were entrusted to local specialist
Thomas Pearce. The car's striking color scheme-light gray over
red-was inspired by a Spider America displayed at a period auto
show.
The mechanical restoration was led by Lancia authority Walt Spak of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who rebuilt the original V-6 engine,
retaining its factory-numbered block, heads, crankshaft, and sump
(all numbered 1184 per Lancia records). Spak also restored the
radiator, exhaust system, and ancillary components, while sourcing
a correct original set of Borrani wire wheels and a
factory-appropriate tool kit and jack. Additionally, Canadian parts
specialist Franco de Piero sourced original European components,
including Carello lights, badges, and other period-correct
details.
Upon completion in the summer of 2012, the Lancia debuted at the
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance�, earning a prestigious Second in
Class award-a testament to both its exceptional restoration and
outstanding presentation. Mr. Hayes retained the Spider America
until 2017, when it was acquired by the most recent owner, whose
world-class collection includes some of the finest Lancias,
Ferraris, and Maseratis extant.
Since entering the aforementioned collection, the car has been
meticulously maintained, benefiting from regular service by an
in-house team of specialists. Accompanied by an extensive
documentation file, including restoration photos and records, as
well as original accessories such as an owner's manual and period
sales brochures, this B24 Spider America represents one of the
finest surviving examples of its kind.
With its stunning design, advanced engineering, and concours-level
restoration, this Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America is a rare
opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable postwar Italian
sports cars, eligible for the world's most prestigious concours
events and vintage driving tours.
Offers welcome and trades considered
