Lancia – Aurelia B52 B Junior (1952)

In 1950, Lancia launched its new Aurelia model in the marketplace. Vittorio Jano had designed the model series and many aspects of the Aurelia represented a new departure. An innovative V6 cast in lightweight alloy served as the power plant and the gearbox was housed in a transaxle combination on the rear axle. The Aurelia came in an astonishing range of different guises. Alongside spiders, convertibles and saloons with differing wheelbases, Lancia also offered a series of chassis for bodying by specialist coachbuilders. 783 units are reported to have been produced, 98 of them clothed as the B52 – and one of them is this Aurelia B52 B Junior.

The chassis was cloaked in a spacious coupé skin made of aluminium, after a design penned by Giano Paolo Boano. This was an outstanding reflection of the American taste of the era. In 2009, today’s owner discovered this car in the United States. Although it was in a deplorable condition, the high level of originality was overwhelmingly appealing. Moreover, only two examples of this model had been produced and it emerged that this one was by and large complete. Recently having undergone a comprehensive restoration, this coupé is experiencing its contest premiere in the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.