The 1957 Lancia Aurelia B20S GT stands as the definitive climax of one of Italy’s most innovative automotive lineages, representing the final and most refined sixth series of the model. Built on November 20, 1957, chassis 1656 is one of just 312 Series VI examples produced for the final production cycle, embodying the peak of Lancia’s engineering prowess. Originally a long-term resident of Sweden for nearly five decades before arriving in the United States, this left-hand-drive coupe serves as a testament to the “Gran Turismo” concept that the Aurelia helped pioneer. Accompanied by its Lancia Classiche Certificato di Origine, it remains a blue-chip candidate for the world’s most prestigious historic rallies and tours.
Pininfarina Grace and Dark Blue Sophistication
The visual character of this Series VI Aurelia is defined by its iconic fastback silhouette, a design masterminded by Pininfarina that became the blueprint for the modern GT. Originally finished in Grigio, the car underwent a refurbishment that saw a color change to a deep dark blue, accentuating the elegant chrome bonnet strip and quad headlights. Distinctive Series VI features include the addition of triangular front quarter vent windows and pop-out rear quarter glass, which improved cabin ventilation and refined the car’s aerodynamic profile. Gray-finished metric steel wheels with Lancia-branded covers and Michelin X tires provide a period-correct stance that emphasizes its sophisticated European heritage.
Two-Tone Cloth and Leather Grand Touring Luxury
Inside the cockpit, the environment is a blend of mid-century industrial design and refreshed luxury materials. The cabin has been reupholstered in gray cloth with dark blue leather bolsters, a theme that extends seamlessly to the door and side panels. A body-color steel dashboard houses a refined Jaeger instrument cluster, featuring a 220-km/h speedometer and a 5,500-rpm tachometer with an integrated clock. Driver engagement is heightened by a wood-rimmed steering wheel and a floor-mounted shifter, which controls the four-speed manual transaxle. Thoughtful details such as rear luggage straps and a Lancia-branded radio blanking plate preserve the car’s authentic, competition-ready character.
Advanced V6 Authority and Rear Transaxle Balance
Mechanical propulsion is delivered by the legendary 2.5-liter B24 V6, an all-alloy masterpiece that produces approximately 112 hp / 114 PS and 124 lb-ft / 169 Nm. For the Series VI, Lancia engineers focused on increasing torque to manage the car’s additional sound deadening and luxury equipment, ensuring a narrative of effortless high-speed cruising. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a rear-mounted four-speed manual transaxle, a layout that provides near-perfect weight distribution. The chassis is a technical tour de force, utilizing Lancia’s signature “sliding pillar” independent front suspension paired with a de Dion rear axle and inboard drum brakes to minimize unsprung weight.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.5L All-Alloy V6 |
| Induction | Single Weber 40 DCL 5 Carburetor |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual Rear Transaxle |
| Output | 112 hp / 114 PS |
| Torque | 124 lb-ft / 169 Nm |
| Front Suspension | Independent Sliding Pillar |
| Rear Suspension | De Dion Axle with Panhard Rod |
A Refined Legend in the Global Collector Circuit
In the landscape of 1950s sports cars, the Lancia Aurelia B20S GT holds a unique selling point as the world’s first production car to successfully implement a V6 engine and transaxle layout. Compared to contemporary rivals from Alfa Romeo or even early Ferraris, the Series VI Aurelia offers a higher degree of mechanical refinement and build quality, earning it the reputation of a “connoisseur’s car.” Its eligibility for events like the Mille Miglia Storica and the Colorado Grand ensures consistent demand among active driving enthusiasts. As one of the final 312 examples produced, this documented B20S represents a secure investment in automotive history.
The Final Evolution of an Engineering Milestone
The 1957 Lancia Aurelia B20S GT is a rolling masterclass in the philosophy of refinement through development. It offers its next owner a rare opportunity to experience the ultimate iteration of the car that defined the Gran Turismo, delivered with a level of sophistication that few other marques of the era could hope to match.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
