1955 Lancia Aurelia

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys Arizona event, 24 January 2025.
$600,000 - $800,000 USD

• Exceptional build inspired by a legendary Olivetti Mille Miglia and Le Mans entrant
• Hot-rodded Flaminia drivetrain; original B20GT body modified to period competition style
• Produced by one of the worlds foremost Lancia specialists
• An incredible piece of engineering and craftsmanship
• Ideal for any number of historic rallies

One of the most memorable Lancias ever, the Fuorilegge was conceived by noted British specialists Thornley Kelham as a really cool, not-one-for-the-purists, heavily modified B20GT, in their words. It fit with our aim to put Aurelias on the map by developing a set of ideas to create a unique Aurelia interpretation.

Beginning with a nearly hopeless B20, the car was transplanted onto a Flaminia drivetrain, the engine bored out to 2.8 liters and blessed with hotter camshafts, fuel injection, and a custom exhaust for more power about 175 horsepower, more or less. The four-speed transaxle was also sourced from a Flaminia and offers much taller gearing to give the car greater legs. The body was tweaked throughout in the style of a famed B20GT that won class victories at the Mille Miglia and 24 Hours of Le Mans, with the roofline lowered extensively for aerodynamics, the fenders widened, turn indicators moved into the headlights, a large scoop added to the hood, and the suspension modified. The interior was outfitted with Porsche Speedster-style seats, Alcantara headlining, and an integrated FIA-specification roll cage.

In short, Thornley Kelhams intent was to do for the Lancia Aurelia what the famous Outlaws had done for Porsches hence the name Fuorilegge, or outlaw in Italian.

After the completion of the first example, Giovanni de Virgilio, son of the designer of the Aurelia V-6, commented that it was a very purposeful and realistic car that Gianni Lancia could have built for a friend. Such was the excitement the car created that several additional examples were soon commissioned by other enthusiasts for their own collections, with a total of nine eventually completed.

The example offered here was the fourth to be completed, commissioned by the consignor in 2017 and delivered in 2019. It is perhaps the boldest creation to have left the Thornley Kelham stable as of yet, thanks to the dashing Metallic Teal exterior. A perfect blend of mid-century Italian design and 21st century style, the interior continues the daring look inward with matching diamond-stitched teal leather inserts on the seats and door cards. Tan hides cover much of the remaining surfaces and contrast nicely with the teal carpets and Alcantara headliner. Though beautiful, the interior is also purposeful, clearly intended for spirited driving, with a four-point racing harness, a Nardi-style wood-rimmed steering wheel, Tilton pedals, and a simple gearshift knob.

Beyond the pure performance enhancements, this Aurelia has also been upgraded for luxury and refinement. Dual-circuit hydraulic disc brakes, a hydraulic clutch, and a much-improved cooling system greatly increase drivability. Extensive sound deadening and the addition of an air-conditioning system further enhance comfort. Attesting to the Lancias superb balance of performance and luxury, the consignor notes that it performed exceptionally on a cross-country rally down Old Route 66.

One of the great Italian motor cars of the 20th century, the Lancia Aurelia is made even better through the outstanding efforts of Thornley Kelham. Unquestionably stylish and backed by stout performance, the Fuorilegge is a truly envy-inducing hot rod, ideal for those who long to enjoy the purity and simplicity of a timeless classic with enhanced comfort, performance, and exclusivity.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/az25/.