1957 LANCIA AURELIA B20S SÉRIE 6

British title
Chassis n° B20S1676
Engine n° B20N5240

- Superb recent restoration
- Matching numbers
- Rare left-hand drive with floor shift

The B20SL on offer is an example of the final and most highly developed sixth series. It is also a desirable left-hand drive version benefitting from a floor- mounted gear shift and De Dion rear axle suspension that was more robust than the independent suspension used on earlier series. This ultimate evolution is the most sought-after version, equipped with its 118bhp 2.5-litre V6 engine.
The Registro Aurelia file indicates that chassis 1676 was completed on 10 December 1957 and exported to the US. The same document also confirms it is a matching numbers car. The history file tells us that this B20 spent time in Rhode Island during the 1960s, moving later to New Jersey before being stored away in a barn in Pennsylvania at the end of the 1970s. The car did not see the light of day again until 2013, and the previous owner, an important European collector, acquired the car at auction the following year, as a fantastic barn find, in original condition and requiring restoration. Being particularly fond of barn finds, he set about completely refurbishing the car. Having a team of restorers working solely on his collection, he gave them free rein in carrying out this task, starting from the bare shell. This major project was finished in 2020. The original mechanical elements, running gear, upholstery and electrics were all refurbished and there is a large file of pictures detailing all the work. Repainted its stunning and original sky blue colour, this elegant B20, still with the preferable small rear lights that were replaced by larger ones at the end of the series, is undoubtedly the most desirable version. Light, with a lively engine, precise steering and good handling round corners, it is a real treat to drive a B20, sitting in total comfort in a genuine GT car so emblematic of its era.

Photo © Bernard Canonne

The auction of this lot will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
https://www.artcurial.com/fr/lot-1957-lancia-aurelia-b20s-serie-6-4134-172