1955 | Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider "America"

As recorded by Lancia factory records, Aurelia Spider 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.