2,451cc OHV All-Alloy V6 Engine
2 Twin-Choke Weber Carburetors with Nardi Kit
130bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes – Inboard at the Rear

*Exquisitely restored example of the rare and ultra-desirable Aurelia Spider America
*Matching numbers example retaining its original bodywork
*Equipped with the desirable high-performance Nardi dual-carburetor kit
*Ready for top events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance or Mille Miglia Storica

THE LANCIA SPIDER AMERICA

Race developed V6 engine, superlative handling and sensational Pinin Farina styling: these are the ingredients of a sports car classic and the Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America has them all.

Lancia's classic Aurelia, the first car ever to employ a V6 engine, was launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show. An advanced unitary construction design, the 1.7-liter Aurelia featured all-independent suspension and a combined gearbox/rear transaxle on which were mounted the inboard brakes.

The sedan was joined the following year by the Pinin Farina-styled B20 Coupe, a fastback '2+2' on a shortened wheelbase which, with its combination of sports car performance and sedan-like practicality, can be said to have introduced the Gran Turismo concept to the world. Introduced in 1953, the 3rd and subsequent series B20s were powered by a 2,451cc, 118bhp version of the OHV V6, and this was adopted for the B24 Spider, also called the 'America', launched in 1954 at the Bruxelles Auto Salon.

Acknowledged as one of Pinin Farina's masterpieces, the Aurelia B24 Spider combined sporting characteristics with an elegance that presaged another of the Torinese carrozzeria's great works, the Ferrari 250 GT California Spider. For the B24 Spider the Aurelia B20 chassis was further shortened and came with a floor-mounted gear-change as standard. Its performance equaled that of the B20 Coupe, top speed being in the region of 115mph (185km/h).

Unusually clean lines enabled the Spider to achieve what was an exceptional performance for an open car of the period, being unencumbered by external door handles (there were internal pull-cords) and benefiting from a gracefully curved wraparound windscreen, and the model's signature styling feature, split bumpers front and rear. Ownership was world-class as well, with names such as Brigitte Bardot associated with the model. Only 240 B24 Spiders were manufactured during 1954/55 - 59 in right-hand drive (B24) and 181 in left-hand drive (B24S "Sinistra") - and today the model is one of the most sought-after of post-war Lancias.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Like the majority of the left-hand B24S Spider Americas, chassis no. B24S-1156 was originally delivered to the United States. The most significant portion of the desirable Spider America's history began in the mid-1980s when it was acquired and reimported to Italy by Silvana Cima, a well-known Italian Lancia collector. In order to return the car to active use, Mr. Cima commissioned a complete mechanical and cosmetic restoration from Milan-based KCA Restorations, for many years one of the world's leading Lancia restorers. The Lancia was at the time finished in a grey exterior color, but was then correctly repainted in an original Lancia Verde Ascot Metallic color, that sets off the rare optional Borrani wire wheels. The interior was upholstered in a beautifully contrasting Biscuit-color leather interior; much as the Lancia Spider America appears today.

As the restoration by KCA was completed in 1989, Mr. Cima entered the Spider America in the legendary Italian Mille Miglia Storica, the French Tour Auto, the Italian Sanremo Rally, Monza Revival Rally, and the Gira di Primavera. Mr. Cima would own the rare Lancia for about two decades while cherishing the Aurelia's excellent driving characteristics on these prominent events.

In 2005, B24S-1156 was sold to Mr. Nico Koel of the Netherlands. In Koel's ownership the rally use continued, participating in the Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti and Modena Cento Ore Classic. In early 2009, the Lancia Spider America was brought back to the U.S., where it was prominently displayed at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in Monterey, California. The Aurelia was then acquired by the current owner in 2010, a Texas-based collector of exceptional Sports Cars. Although the car presented remarkably well 20 years after its restoration, it was soon after given a complete, engine-out mechanical overhaul to ensure that its performance matched its appearance. The car received approximately 500 hours of thorough reconditioning to engine, transaxle and other mechanical components, as well as the fitting of a new fuel tank.

The car retains its full weather equipment, including the framed glass side curtains with vents, as well as its original tool kit. Importantly, the original, matching-numbers engine remains in the car, and the Pinin Farina coachwork is original as well. The Lancia Spider America is equipped with the optional and very desirable Dual 40 DCZ-5 Weber carburetor set up, on a special period intake manifold and air cleaner by Nardi & C., which gives approximately 130–132 bhp – a substantial increase over the 108 bhp of the U.S.-specification single-carburetor version. During 2017 and 2018, the Lancia Spider America was subject to a complete bare metal repaint in the period-correct Lancia Verde Ascot Metallic color, while a new interior and convertible top was carefully crafted and fitted. The chrome was refinished, and the front suspension, shocks and brakes, was fully rebuilt. Continuing its extensive tour history, the current owner has completed the Colorado Grand and Copperstate 1000, each twice and without issue.

Aurelia Spider no. B24S-1156 is listed in the Registro Aurelia Italiano and holds a FIVA identity card and an Italian Certificato di Omologazione. Nicely documented, rejuvenated, and detailed, B24S-1156 is ready for both concours and vintage rally events at the highest level. A true masterpiece of Lancia engineering and Pinin Farina styling, this beautifully presented, matching-numbers Spider America is one of the greats of mid-1950s Italian automotive design. It is a stunning example that will richly reward its new owner, whether being spiritedly driven on road events or displayed on a concours lawn.