Upon its debut at the Torino Motor Show in May 1950, Lancia’s Aurelia was immediately hailed as a technical tour de force. Spearheaded by the legendary engineer Vittorio Jano, the Aurelia introduced many cutting-edge features including a rear-mounted transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension, inboard rear brakes, and a narrow-angle V-6. Based on the sophisticated 4th Series Aurelia B20, the B24 Spider America is among the most beautiful Italian sports cars of the 1950s. Its elegant Pinin Farina design, influenced by American dream cars of the era, featured voluptuous lines, cut-down doors, split bumpers, and a fashionable panoramic windscreen. In all, just 181 Spider Americas were specified in left-hand-drive B24S configuration.

This world-class example was delivered new to the US and sold by famed New York importer Max Hoffman in late May 1955. The car remained in the US and was owned from 1960 to 1980 by Frank Anzuena of Glassboro, New Jersey. Mr. Anzuena had a hardtop built by Carrozzeria Fontana, the firm originally contracted by Lancia to construct them. At the beginning of the 1980s, the car was purchased by an Italian gentleman named Paolo Vento, who was married to the daughter of famed Italian industrialist Count Giovanni Treccani. At this time, the color of the car was changed from its original Aquamarine to red, to match the rest of the cars in his collection. Mr. Vento maintained the Lancia in his collection until 2017, when it was purchased by the consignor, a specialist in the finest Italian sports and racing cars. The Aurelia was sent to FCA Heritage in Torino, where it was thoroughly reviewed as part of the pre-certification process, and, in its certification, the matching-numbers components were documented. The car retains its matching-numbers engine, front axle, and transaxle per its Lancia Classiche Certificate.

Encouraged by the FCA report, the consignor decided to embark on a complete concours-quality restoration performed by some of Italy’s best craftsmen, a process which he documented and summarized in a lengthy report on file. The body was stripped and completely restored in its gorgeous original color of Aquamarine by the renowned Quality Cars in Venice, Italy, a firm well known for producing some of the best paint and bodywork in the world. The engine was rebuilt by Mechanics Motor Holding Snc in Padova, the electrics were done by a specialist in Vicenza, and the upholstery was restored in its original green color by an expert in Mantova, Italy.

During the restoration, factory production numbers were found in numerous places, including on the body. When rebuilding the engine, its serial number (1080) was found stamped on original internal components. Photos of all of these numbers, along with photographs and records of the restoration, appear in the consignor’s report that accompanies the Lancia at auction.

Completed in 2022, the car presents in absolutely stunning condition, and is especially striking given its rare color and Fontana hardtop. It is accompanied by a tool kit, original maintenance and use booklet, a Lancia Classiche Certificate, photographs of the restoration, and records.

Franco Martinengo, the lead designer of the Spider America, said, “When you see a B24, it is not enough to look at it, you would like to touch it.” This is certainly the case with this sensational example, one of the finest B24S Spider Americas to ever appear for sale. Rarely is an example such as this available for purchase, and Gooding & Company invites your closest inspection of this remarkable automobile.