1955 | Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider "America"

• One of only three original black RHD Spiders

• Equipped with desirable Fontana-style hardtop

• Current ownership for almost 40 years

The Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America

As the first new car revealed by Lancia in the post-war period, the technical attributes of the Aurelia led many to believe that the Italian manufacturer was on its way back to its best when the B10 “berlina” made its debut at the 1950 Turin Motor Show. The Aurelia claimed Lancia an industry-first with the earliest known mass-production V-6 engine, while the car also featured a transaxle gearbox, and inboard rear brakes. Few can argue that the timeless styling of the B24 Spider America has aged exceptionally well. Its wraparound windscreen and lack of external door latches combine for what some to consider to be one of Pinin Farina’s finest designs, and made the car both sporting and luxurious. The B24 Spider America was succeeded by the B24 Convertible, penned to feel more luxurious, and only 240 Spider Americas were built, while it is believed that only 59 models were made by the factory in right-hand-drive. The newer B24 Convertible that succeeded the model added weight with the addition of roll-up windows, higher doors, and a more upright windscreen with more interior furnishings. As a result, those looking for a truer driving experience have been known to favour the B24 Spider America, still a very popular model to this day.

Chassis No. B24-1057.

As recorded by Lancia factory records, chassis no. B24 1057 started construction on July 7th 1955 and was completed and approved for sale on July 25th. Its original colour was black – one of only three RHD Spiders so finished and this car was the third last Spider produced from a production run of only 59 in RHD. A UK buff logbook, issued in May 1960, gives the original date of registration as August 12th 1955. Interestingly, by the time this document was issued in 1960, the car’s colour had already been changed to red and the car had evidently received a replacement engine, number 2995. Owners recorded in this logbook include dealers J.H. Bartlett Ltd, J.M. Commolly of Old Brompton Rd. SW7, A.E.Gash & Co of Southampton ( a firm of hauliers ), K. Gay of Hampshire (1963), Roland Grazebrook of Bath (1968), Mark Lye of Weybridge, Surrey (1972) and finally, the previous owner Brian Collins who acquired the car in 1977.

A life member of the Lancia Motor Club ( membership number 34 ), Brian owned many other examples of the marque including B20 saloons, B24 convertible, Aprilias, Fulvias, HPE and Gamma. He had an exellent reputation for restoring both cars and boats and in the early 1980’s the Spider underwent a comprehensive rebuild. As well as cosmetics, this rebuild included fitting a stronger 6th Series front axle and 6th Series gearbox. The results were the subject of an extensive feature in Supercar Classics magazine in the Winter 1985 edition ( copy on file ). Shortly thereafter Brian decided to sell the Lancia and it was purchased by the current owner in 1986.

After about 20 years of ownership it was decided that the Spider deserved a ‘birthday’ and the car was refinished, from bare metal, to the highest standards in its original black whilst the interior was retrimmed in a beautiful, period pastel turquoise. A short time later, and to enhance the car further, craftsmen were commissioned to produce a faithful replica of the rare and ultra-desirable ‘Fontana’ hardtop, in aluminium, using period publicity photo’s obtained from specialists in Italy.

More recently, in 2021, the current engine (number B24-1540) underwent a complete rebuild carried out by well-known Lancia specialists Omicron Engineering. Work included the fitment of new cylinder liners and pistons, new camshaft and all new valves as well as a new flywheel. Other jobs undertaken at the same time included as overhaul of the braking system, new clutch and fitment of an electrical fuel pump. Finally, the car is accompanied by a set of brand new /old stock Borrani wire wheels and hubs that were purchased many years ago but have never been fitted to the car.

As one of the most beautiful cars of the 1950’s, built in very limited numbers, a Spider America is always welcome at significant events around the world and, importantly, is eligible for entry to the annual retrospective Mille Miglia.