1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America

Known for superb engineering and excellent performance the Aurelia was designed under the supervision of the legendary Vittorio Jano, the mastermind behind the all-conquering Alfa Romeo P2, 6C and 8C of the pre-war years. Jano’s arrival set the stage for Lancia’s burst of fame and glory on the international competition stage, in which the Aurelia would play a starring role.

The Aurelia was a ground-breaking design with a new, all-aluminium V6 engine (the world’s first production V6) set well back in the frame. Lancia’s famous independent sliding pillar front suspension was employed along with independent rear suspension. The gearbox and clutch were housed in a lightweight aluminium-cased transaxle which along with engine positioning gave an ideal 50/ 50 weight distribution. In addition, inboard rear brakes reduced un-sprung weight.

Launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show this revolutionary new model was initially available as a four-door saloon, but soon spawned more exotic variants.

The Pininfarina-styled Aurelia B24 Spider America was introduced in 1954. The mechanical specification of the B24 was essentially 4th Series B20. The beautiful design featured a wraparound windscreen and low-cut lightweight doors with removable metal-framed side-screens.

B24 Spider Americas were built in both left and right-hand drive formats with chassis B24-1049 being one of only 59 right-hand drive examples produced. The factory data card states the car was assembled on the 31st May 1955 and was completed and tested on the 6th July. The new Spider was finished in Rosso (red) with a ‘light’ leather interior. Crucially the data card also confirms the engine, differential, front suspension and steering box numbers are correct and original.

Also on file is its original Italian registration book that states that the car was owned in 1963 by Pierfrancesco Anghileri of Lecco, Italy. By 1977 the car had passed to his sister Carla who we believe sold it to one Fabrizio Verzaro.

The Spider was then acquired by Giancarlo Kappa, a specialist Lancia restorer well-known for his restoration of a number of Lancia B24s and restored the car for his personal use The car is fitted with the desirable Nardi twin carburettor kit, bi-metal wheels and Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France-style seats trimmed in tan leather. The original seats accompany the car and are trimmed in the same leather.

Kappa sold the car to an Italian collector before being acquired by its current British owner in 2014 who imported it into the UK and was registered here on the 1st November 2014. The Spider was then sent to specialists Thornley Kelham for mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment.

Thornley Kelham removed the engine, transaxle, pedal box, propshaft, steering box, front and rear suspension and axles. Various engine oil leaks were fixed with new seals and gaskets. The exhaust manifold gaskets were replaced and the flywheel removed to replace the engine rear oil seal.

The front and rear axles were removed, chemical-cleaned, painted, rebuilt and refitted. The differential case cover received new seals and gaskets.

New oil seals were fitted to the gearbox and the clutch assembly was rebuilt with a new clutch friction plate. The brakes were stripped, brake shoes relined and drums refaced.

The interior and boot compartment were stripped and the floors refinished. The bumpers, lights and fuel and brake pipes were removed and the body placed on a rotisserie to remove the underseal from the underbody back to bare metal. The floors were refinished with sprayable sealer followed by a satin black topcoat. Finally a new exhaust system was fitted.

The Thornley Kelham invoices totalled £28, 000 and they commented that this B24 Spider America was the fastest spider they have ever driven.

The car is accompanied by a history file containing original Italian registration documents, invoices along with ASI and FIVA passports issued between 2013 to 2023. In addition a CD illustrating the Thornley Kelham works.

This beautiful Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America remains in superb order and is offered for sale. As a very rare right-hand-drive, matching numbers example with a number of competition upgrades this Mille Miglia eligible Spider America is a very desirable motorcar indeed.