Classic Car Overview
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 Aurelias 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 $350000 in total costs. Several renowned Lancia specialists contributed their expertise to the project. Wills 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 cars 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 dElegance 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 owners 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 worlds most prestigious concours events and vintage driving tours. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7851-1955-lancia-aurelia-spider-america/
