1955 Lancia Aurelia

1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America by Pinin Farina

- Perfect for admission to exclusive driving events worldwide, including the Mille Miglia Storica, the Colorado Grand, and the California Mille -

Chassis No.
B24S-1157
Engine No.
B24-1209

- One of only 181 left-hand-drive Spider Americas produced; a fine example of Lancias most celebrated sports car
- A high point of post-war Italian styling and thrilling performance
- Retains numbers-matching V-6 engine
- Appealingly finished in white with red interior and color-matched red wheels, as displayed in the Hundred Million Dollar Oscar Davis Collection

Created under the guidance of Vittorio Jano, who had developed some of the great Alfa Romeos of the pre-war era, the Lancia Aurelia featured a pioneering V-6 engine-the first such production example-paired with a transaxle gearbox for optimal weight distribution. The brilliance of the Lancia Aurelia was hardly limited to the sports cars built on this innovative platform. The vast majority of Lancia Aurelias were coupes or four-door sedans; thanks to their advanced underpinnings, these practical cars are still praised for their engaging performance.

When Lancia did apply the Aurelia platforms attributes to a purist sports car, however, the results were spectacular. Introduced in 1954 and built for just two years, the Aurelia B24 Spider America was intended in large part to capitalize on the export market (as its name clearly suggests). It benefitted from the improvements implemented for the Aurelias fourth series, including a more potent 118-horsepower engine; it also rode on a sprightly wheelbase shorter than that of standard Aurelias.

On this truncated wheelbase, Pinin Farina draped its perfectly proportioned bodywork. Rightly praised today as a jewel of post-war design, the Spider America features a prominent hood scoop and defined rear haunches that immediately suggest athleticism; these features are balanced by the subtle split front and rear bumpers-which flank the proud, shield-like Lancia grille in the front-and a delicately framed panoramic windshield. Notably, the car lacks exterior door handles, contributing to its uncluttered look.

This sense of purpose continues inside the cabin, where the suite of instrumentation has been condensed to just three gauge clusters: A large, round speedometer positioned just ahead of the wood-rimmed steering wheel, with smaller circular clusters on either side displaying a tachometer and fuel and oil gauges. Switchgear, too, is at an absolute minimum, leaving little to distract a driver from the road ahead. Should inclement weather arise, a basic fabric top and curtain windows could be fitted, but this was by design a car best enjoyed in the open air and sunshine.

In total, just 240 B24 Spiders were built from 1954 through 1955, with 181 being of left-hand-drive, or Sinestra, configuration. The B24 Convertible that followed was, with its permanent convertible top, roll-up windows, and door handles, arguably better suited to daily driving duties than the minimalistic roadster. For those seeking the ultimate blend of pure, uncompromised styling and thrilling driving dynamics, however, there is simply no substitute for the B24 Spider America.

Formerly part of the renowned collection of the late Oscar Davis, this Lancia will be a spirited companion on an enviable list of tours, rallies, and driving events-indeed, it is eligible for many of the worlds best, including the Mille Miglia Storica. Campaigning aside, this car represents something truly special: groundbreaking engineering, thrilling driving dynamics, uncompromised purpose, and undeniable rarity all wrapped in the beautiful styling of Pinin Farina.

Few cars hit all of these notes quite so deftly, making this 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America an irresistible opportunity.