The Aurelia series, designed under the direction of Lancia engineer Vittorio Jano, came to the market in 1950. The Aurelia became an instant landmark in many ways with numerous technical innovations. It had an advanced front V6 aluminum engine combined with a rear mounted transaxle with gearbox, clutch, differential and inbound brakes. This setup offered sports car handling along with a high comfort level.

The 1950 Aurelia's first series were all berlinas (B10) but soon the coupe B20 followed in 1951. The coupe saw his engine increased from 1.7L to 2.0L with a 75 bhp output, a shorter wheelbase and a sleeker two door Ghia designed/ Pinin Farina built body. One of the first, if not the first, post-war generation of modern "Gran Turismo" cars was born!! It represents for the purist, the zenith of Lancia's post war production.

The second series (1952-1953) brought the B20GT to another level. It had the same 2.0L engine but now producing 80 bhp in a single carb and 90 bhp in a dual carb configuration, better brakes and some minor styling tweaks like chrome bumpers and a more appealing dashboard. Total production of the series I B20 was only 371 cars. Of the better performing series II a total of 860 were built in 1952-1953. The higher production output/demand can be easily explained by the immediate success in the GT competition. In the 1951 Mille Miglia the three B20's finished in the first 7 places and all three took the lead in their class. The first B20, piloted by the famous Bracco, finished 2nd overall just behind the mighty 4.0L Ferrari in the hands of Villoresi. Bracco brought his B20 to the 1951 24 hours of Le Mans and drove his car to a formidable 12th position overall. The success of the B20 continued in 1952 with four cars in the Mille Miglia top ten and all three podium places in the grueling Targa Florio.

The third and following series (1953-1958) came with a 2.5L engine and ongoing technical improvements. It is worth noting that the series 1-3 were only available in right hand drive as evidence of their racing pedigree. However, starting with series III the sleek tail fins were abandoned and the car became more and more luxuriously oriented. A total of 2,640 B20's series III to VI were built, leaving the early series I and especially the series II the most sought-after examples.

This Lancia B20GT series II chassis B20.1673/Engine B20.1792 was built in April/May 1952. It was painted in grey with grey cloth interior, the colors it wears today. It was first registered on June 3, 1952 in Milano. According to the registro from the Automobile Club d'Italia, it changed ownership 4 more times in Italy before it was exported to the UK in 1961. It was registered in London on June 12,1961. A chain of ownerships (9 in total) gradually steered the car to a well deserved retirement in the UK. In 2011 the car was picked up by Simon Thornley of Thornley-Kelham, a well known and very reputable Lancia restoration company. The B20, in need of a total restoration, was stripped to the last bolt and underwent a full concours level restoration in 2013/2014 before it was sold to its new owner in Austria in 2015. It was road registered in 2016 and received its A/3 Fiva card. It was then carefully enjoyed and meticulously maintained by its proud owner until 2021 before it was imported and added to our Belgian collection. All of the above can be verified by the various history files, restoration photos and photo shoots. Copies are available by request and the originals on file will be provided with sale of the car.

The B20 has still its original engine and drive train, is equipped with a dual Weber 40 DCZ/Nardi kit, offering a healthy 110 bhp. Restored to its original specifications it is eligible for any vintage event or rally worldwide including the Italian Mille Miglia.

With less than 3,000 km since the restoration it shows and drives like new. It is mechanically on the button and just waiting for its new caretaker to be enjoyed on fast and twisty roads. You can race this car in any rally during the day and, in return, this GT will bring you and your copilot to a glamorous tuxedo party that same night.

This very elegant car is garaged at our premises in Belgian and should be seen in person to truly appreciate the level of restoration.
Please email to schedule an appointment.

Following documents and files will accompany the car:
-Registro Automobile Club d'Italia
-Period Registration book UK 1961
-Registro Avrelia Italian (Telefax) March 1990
-UK most recent registration certificate
-Austrian Registration Certificate
-Austrian Fiva Card (2016) valid for 10 years
-Import documents Belgium
-Belgian clear technical control certificate
-Restoration photo shoot
-Current photo shoot