1955 Lancia Aurelia - Aurelia B12 Berlina

From the estate of a Lancia collector

Final development of the Aurelia Berlina

Interior retrimmed to a high standard

Eligible for the Mille Miglia

When Lancia unveiled the Aurelia in 1950, at first glance it hardly looked like a revolution. A Lancia, in other words: somehow understated and entirely free of ostentation. An elegant Italian saloon. Yet if there was one other thing Lancia had always stood for, it was technical sophistication. And beneath the skin of the Aurelia, Vittorio Jano and his engineers had once again done almost everything differently.

At its heart was the V6 developed by Francesco De Virgilio, the first production engine of its kind and one that duly made automotive history. The clutch and gearbox were not mounted up front with the engine, but at the rear together with the differential. This transaxle arrangement provided excellent weight distribution. There was independent suspension at the front and, initially, even at the rear. The sort of technical effort other manufacturers tended to reserve for their sports cars. Lancia put it into a family saloon. A Berlina, in Italian. There were no B-pillars, and its doors opened rather like a gateway. The first coupés followed in 1951, and with them came the first successes in competition.

In 1954, the B12 appeared as the final development of the Aurelia Berlina. Its V6 had by then grown to 2.3 litres and produced around 87 bhp. At the rear, a De Dion axle replaced the previous independent suspension. Not necessarily more spectacular, but more robust and better suited to what Lancia intended the B12 to do: travel quickly and comfortably.

And that was precisely its great strength. While the Aurelia B20 GT made headlines in motor sport and the B24 Spider adorns bedroom walls today, the B12 went about its business rather more discreetly. Four doors, plenty of room, tasteful appointments. It is easy to underestimate an Aurelia at first glance. Until you put your foot down. Because the saloon possessed the same blend of technical sophistication and lightness for which Lancia was once famous. You did not have to see it. You could drive it. Perhaps that was real luxury.

The last owner of this Aurelia B12 was a dedicated Lancia enthusiast and collector. The car’s papers have so far not come to light among his estate, which means the Aurelia’s earlier history remains something of a mystery. At least its last known Padua registration provides a clue as to its origins. Externally, the Berlina remains remarkably original, while the interior has already been retrimmed to a high standard in the correct original-type fabric.

Having not been driven since the death of its owner, the Aurelia will require a little attention before it is ready to stretch its legs again. Its sophisticated mechanicals will thank the new owner for it. And, not least, it provides an entry ticket to the greatest road race of them all. For this is one of the fortunate cars eligible to take part in the Mille Miglia.