1957 Lancia Aurelia B24S Convertible
Chassis no. B24S 1519
Engine no. B24 1638

The B24S Convertible represents the ultimate development of one of the most influential designs to emerge from Italy post-WW2: Lancia's classic Aurelia. First car ever to employ a V6 engine, the Aurelia was launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show, and the following year the original saloon was joined by the Pinin Farina-styled B20 Coupé, a fastback 2+2 GT. B24 Spider and Convertible models were launched in 1955, both powered by a 2½-litre, 118bhp version of the 60-degree V6, by which time the Aurelia had gained a leaf-sprung De Dion rear axle.
The Aurelia Spider was clearly inspired by the Pinin Farina's open Ferraris. Intended for sale mainly in the USA, and with its wraparound windscreen of American inspiration, the Spider was quickly dubbed 'America'. Built on a 2,450mm wheelbase, the B24S Spider was mechanically similar to the 4th Series Aurelia B20, except for different air filters. All models had a floor-mounted gearchange and it was the first Lancia with left-hand drive as standard (the 'S' in the type number meaning 'Sinistra' - left - in Italian).
From 1956, the Spider America was succeeded by the more conventional B24S Convertible, mechanically based on the 5th series Aurelia B20. Again the work of Pinin Farina, the B24S Convertible looked superficially very similar but in fact was a total redesign that shared no panels with its predecessor. Easily recognisable differences were many: deeper doors with external handles and wind-up windows, flatter windscreen with quarter-lights, and one-piece bumpers, to name but three. There was also, of course, a proper convertible hood providing decent weather protection. The B24S Convertible was built on the same wheelbase as the Spider and used a slightly less powerful (110bhp) version of the 2½-litre V6 engine. More civilised than the uncompromising Spider, the Convertible was also more successful, 521 being sold between 1956 and 1958 as opposed to 240 Spiders.
Few cars are more redolent of the Dolce Vita era of Italian motoring as the Lancia B24S Convertible, one of which famously starred in the 1962 film Il Sorpasso alongside Vittorio Gassman and Jean-Louis Trintignant.
First registered on 1st January 1958, this gorgeous B24S was purchased by the current vendor from DPM Motors in May 2007 and registered in Luxembourg on 2nd July that year. Between 2007 and 2009 the Lancia was undergoing a complete restoration, the bulk of the work being carried out by Carrozzeria Auto Design in Cantu at a cost of €35,894. Refurbishment of the mechanicals was entrusted to Autoriparazioni Clerici in Villa Guardia at a total cost of €14,520, while the interior was fully re-trimmed by Conti Tappezziere in Bevara di Barzago at a cost of €7,180. In total, €57,594 was spent on bringing this car up to the exemplary standard we see today. All bills issued by the aforementioned specialists are on file and this wonderful 'old school' Lancia also comes with a FIVA Identity Card.