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1955 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT, Series IV
s/n 3618, engine no. 4372
Maroon with Tan Wool Interior

Always known for their advanced and sophisticated engineering, Lancia’s B20 GT was the company’s greatest car. The car combined both prodigious performance and handling with a sublime, classic form while adding, and defining, the name Gran Turismo to the world lexicon.

Shortly after its introduction a B20 GT finished second overall in the 1951 Millie Miglia, minutes behind the winning Ferrari 340 America. In the face of severe storms, the excellence of its chassis and smooth power delivery allowed the B20 to close in on the leading Ferrari only to lose ground on the final high speed run back into Brescia.

Even the original B10 sedan was noted for its performance and quickly began to be entered in rallies and other events. With its lighter weight, cleaner shape and sense of chic the B20 replaced the sedan as a sporting vehicle and became the favorite mount of many a moneyed sportsman.

The Aurelia design hosted a number of special features from its hemispherical head and aluminum construction V-6 engine to its transaxle and inboard rear brakes. The chassis was a rigid unibody design that allowed the relatively soft IRS suspension to get the maximum performance out the new Michelin radial tire. The compact V-6 engine was very responsive with excellent torque. This combination of chassis, suspension and power produced the first truly modern car in Post-War Europe.

The B-20 being offered is a highly desired Series IV model. The Series IV is perhaps the best of the B-20’s six series, combining an excellent power to weight ratio with the increased grip of a De Dion rear suspension.

To drive a well set up series IV Aurelia is to understand how important balance is to the pleasure of driving a fine car. The power delivery of this car is unusually strong, surprising even the most ardent Lancia enthusiast, to make this an exceptional example and sure to provide many surprises on the tours and rallies the car is so eminently suited for.

Along with the usual Aurelia attributes this car is equipped full period Nardi equipment including twin carburetors with cast air cleaner, floor shift conversion and hood scoop all of which add to the satisfaction on gets driving this car. The car also has a Nardi steering wheel and Borrani wire wheel conversion. The body is solid and straight with nice paint and recently done clean wool interior.

The car is a pleasure to drive with its powerful engine and balanced steering. Gear change is positive with good synchros. While not suffering any of the usual Aurelia front wheel balance problems it does exhibit some drive shaft vibration. When warm the brakes pull up straight and progressively, but do seem touchy on initial, cold application.
ASI homologation certificate no. 10293, ownership history, factory jack and lug wrench, Technical Sheets, and $6,395 in receipts for a September 2011 service all on file.

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