For those with a deep appreciation for both beauty and performance, the 1958 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT presents a perfect marriage of elegance and engineering brilliance. Renowned for being the world's first production car to boast a V6 engine, this icon not only redefined luxury sports cars in the 1950s but also set new standards in performance with its groundbreaking design.
Originally launched in 1950, the Lancia Aurelia evolved across six series, and this Series VI example represents the pinnacle of its development. With only 312 Series VI units ever produced this late-production Aurelia B20 GT is exceptionally rare and stands out as one of the most coveted classic Lancias on the market.
What makes the Lancia Aurelia so special? First, the V6 engine is a marvel in itself, delivering 112 BHP at 5,000 RPM coupled with a 4-speed manual transaxle that provides a thrilling driving experience. The car’s performance is more than just straight-line speed (a top speed of 112 mph ); it offers road-handling precision, thanks to the independent sliding-pillar front suspension and advanced de Dion rear suspension, paired with semi-elliptical leaf springs. This suspension system, innovative for its time, contributes to the Aurelia's unparalleled agility, making it a formidable competitor on the racetrack. This very model etched its name in racing history with a second-place finish at the 1951 Mille Miglia and victories like the 1952 Targa Florio and 1953 Liege-Rome-Liege Rally. These accolades are testaments to its racing pedigree.
Visually, the Pinin Farina design is timeless, marked by sleek lines and a subtly graceful presence that captures the eye without overwhelming it. This particular example, finished in a gorgeous **Deep Indigo, is complemented by a meticulously restored interior featuring grey cloth with navy leather accents. The luxury doesn't stop there – details like the Nardi steering wheel Jaeger gauges , and a painted dashboard give the cabin a classic, refined feel. It's clear that this Aurelia was built to offer not just performance, but a driving experience that’s as sophisticated as it is exciting.
Restored by Automotive Restorations, Inc., this B20 GT has been lovingly maintained to retain its original charm while being fully prepped for vintage rallies or casual drives. The roll-up windows, triangular quarter vent windows, and left-hand drive configuration with a floor-shifted manual transmission make this car highly desirable for both collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re looking to make a statement at the next concours or longing to participate in historic rallies, the 1958 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history that remains as thrilling and elegant today as it was when it first rolled off the production line. This car isn't just a collector's item—it's a driving masterpiece.
The Lancia Aurelia B20 GT is celebrated for introducing one of the most significant advancements in automotive history: the first production V6 engine. This innovation was the brainchild of the brilliant Italian engineer Francesco De Virgilio, who was instrumental in developing Lancia's V6 configuration. De Virgilio’s work on the V6 engine was revolutionary at the time, as it solved the inherent balancing issues that plagued earlier V-type engines. His genius lay in creating an engine that delivered smooth power delivery and reliability, an achievement that shaped the future of automotive engineering.
The engine powering the Lancia Aurelia B20 GT is a 2.5-liter V6, producing 112 BHP at 5,000 RPM. The compact yet potent powerplant was capable of propelling the car to a top speed of 112 mph, a remarkable figure for its era. The V6 design provided smoother operation than its inline counterparts, contributing to the Aurelia’s exceptional refinement and making it a superb grand tourer.
This 60-degree V6 engine is not just about raw numbers—it represents a leap forward in automotive design. The engine's layout allowed Lancia engineers to lower the center of gravity, improving weight distribution and handling dynamics. This technical advancement gave the Aurelia an edge, especially when paired with its racing success. The wet-sump lubrication system ensured optimal oil circulation even under the demanding conditions of high-performance driving and long-distance rallies, further highlighting Lancia's commitment to reliability and performance.
The overhead valve (OHV) design and two-valve-per-cylinder configuration offered a balance of performance and durability, perfect for both high-speed cruising and competitive racing. This engine is paired with a 4-speed manual transaxle mounted at the rear, another innovation that enhanced weight distribution and improved the car’s handling.
Under the hood of the Lancia Aurelia lies more than just an engine—it is a masterpiece of engineering that set the standard for luxury sports cars of its era. De Virgilio’s pioneering V6 was not only a triumph of engineering but a bold statement of what was possible in post-war automotive design, blending performance, reliability, and innovation in a package that continues to impress enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The 1958 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT is not only revered for its groundbreaking engineering but also for its exquisite design, which came from one of the most prestigious Italian design houses: Pinin Farina. The sleek, timeless lines of the Aurelia B20 GT reflect Pinin Farina’s signature style of understated elegance and balance, blending form and function in a way that elevated the car to a symbol of refined luxury.
Battista “Pinin” Farina, the founder of the renowned coachbuilding firm, designed the Aurelia B20 GT to embody the perfect grand tourer. His design philosophy emphasized proportion, harmony, and the beauty of clean lines, which are evident in the smooth, flowing silhouette of the Aurelia. The car’s aerodynamic shape, combined with subtle details like the gently curved roofline and the perfectly positioned wheel arches, gave it a sophisticated yet athletic look.
What makes the Pinin Farina design truly special is its ability to combine luxury with performance in a way that feels effortless. While the car was engineered for speed and handling, it was also meant to be beautiful—something that could turn heads at a concours d’elegance as easily as it could dominate a racetrack. The Aurelia’s interior, with its Nardi steering wheel, Jaeger gauges, and richly upholstered seating, reflects the same meticulous attention to detail that defines its exterior. Every curve and contour of the car serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose, ensuring that the Aurelia remains not just a car, but a work of art on wheels.
Pinin Farina’s design of the Lancia Aurelia B20 GT encapsulates the spirit of 1950s Italian luxury and craftsmanship, making it a classic that stands out not just for its technical innovations but for its enduring beauty.
