Lot 165 - 1956 Lancia Aurelia B12

• Substantial recent investment
• Presents in beautiful condition

Designed by Vittorio Jano, the Aurelia was launched in 1950 and production lasted until the summer of 1958. The Aurelia used the first production V6 engine, a 60° design developed by Francesco de Virgilio who was, between 1943 and 1948 a Lancia engineer, and who worked under Jano. During production, capacity grew from 1.8 to 2.5 litres. Prototype engines used a bore and stroke of 68mm x 72mm for 1569cc; these were tested between 1946 and 1948. It was an all-alloy pushrod design with a single camshaft between the cylinder banks.  A hemispherical combustion chamber and in-line valves were used. A single Solex or Weber carburettor completed the engine. Some uprated 1991cc models were fitted with twin carburettors. At the rear was an innovative combination transaxle with the gearbox, clutch, differential, and inboard-mounted drum brakes. The front suspension was a sliding pillar design, with rear semi-trailing arms replaced by a de Dion tube in the Fourth series.

Originally registered on 3rd May 1956 this Lancia presents in delightful condition. Purchased in 2017 as an unfinished project, the fastidious vendor set about commissioning bodywork including cutting out and refabricating the floors, new inner sills and new inner wings, all of this work was carried out to an exceptionally good standard and was comprehensively photographed. The engine has been rebuilt with many parts purchased from Omicron, additionally a new clutch has been fitted. The light metallic blue coachwork is in great order as is the tan part leather interior. The chromework is also in very good condition. This is an exciting opportunity to purchase an Aurelia with the reassurance of owning a very stylish, rare and beautifully engineered motor car.

Interested parties should note that the private registration plate shown is to be retained by the vendor and a new, age-related registration issued instead.