Lancia Aurelia History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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Launched in 1950 under engineer Vittorio Jano, the Aurelia was the world's first production car with a V6 engine — a 1,754 cc unit designed by Francesco De Virgilio — mated to a rear-mounted transaxle that balanced the car's weight. The configuration was subsequently adopted by Ferrari and Porsche on their own sports cars.
The Pinin Farina–styled B20 GT coupé, introduced in 1951, became the sporting icon of the line — a 2+2 capable of competing outright in the Mille Miglia and at Le Mans. Six series of the Aurelia were built through the summer of 1958, with the B20's V6 eventually growing to 2,451 cc from 1953 onward.
Body styles
- Saloon
- Coupe
- Convertible
Notable special editions & performance variants
B20 GT Coupé
The definitive Aurelia — a Pinin Farina–bodied 2+2 GT that raced at the Mille Miglia and Le Mans; the first series of 408 cars used a 1,991 cc V6.
B24 Spider / Convertible
An open-top Aurelia by Pinin Farina; the Spider (1955–1956) had a wind-down windscreen; the Convertible (1957–1958) a fixed screen.
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