Lot details
Registration No: SYK 6
Chassis No: B24-1055
Mot Expiry: None

Arguably one of the world's most beautiful cars, the Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America made its debut at the January 1955 Brussels Motor Show. Taking full advantage of the fact his carrozzeria had been commissioned to not only shape but also build the two-seater sportscar, Battista `Pinin' Farina came up with a design that prioritised style over mere production sensibilities. A riot of sensuous curves and exquisite detailing from its shield-like radiator grille, delicately accented bonnet scoop and dipping waistline through to its shallow doors, flared wheelarches and upturned quarter bumpers, the newcomer was a masterclass in roadster chic. Wonderfully impractical, the Spider America did without any external catches or handles, while the reverse rake of its trademark panoramic windscreen precluded the fitting of wind-up windows.

Disappearing hood aside, the interior was comparatively restrained sporting a painted dashboard with narrow rolled fabric top edge, wood-rimmed steering wheel, generously upholstered seats and elegant Veglia instrumentation. Taking overall responsibility for the Aurelia project was Vittorio Jano. Head of Lancia's `Reparto Esperienze' since 1937, the legendary engineer ensured that even in its humblest B10 saloon guise his charge could boast a sophisticated four-speed transaxle, responsive worm and sector steering, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes (mounted inboard at the rear) and all-round independent suspension (sliding-pillar front / semi-trailing arm rear). With great consideration given to matters such as unsprung mass, weight distribution and wheel articulation, it was little wonder that the Aurelia handled and rode so well.

Introduced in 1951, the B20 GT model achieved class wins on the Mille Miglia, Carrera Panamericana and at Le Mans not to mention scoring outright victory on the Targa Florio. Evolving through six series, the handsome fixed-head coupe donated a shortened version of its platform to the Spider America (2450mm wheelbase vs. 2650mm wheelbase). Developed in parallel, the B20 Series IV and B24 utilised the same strengthened De Dion tube rear suspension and 2451cc V6 engine. The work of Francesco De Virgilio and Ettore Zaccone-Mina, the engine featured an alloy block / cylinder heads, pushrod-operated overhead valve gear, full-pressure lubrication and optimal 60-degree Vee angle. Benefiting from the adoption of shell bearings and fed by a downdraught Weber carburettor, the compact unit was credited with some 118bhp and 127lbft of torque. Light and agile to drive, the super-stylish roadster tipped the scales at a mere 1,070kg.

Reputedly capable of 185km/h (114mph) in standard tune, some were competition prepared; Bernando Ferrari contesting the 1956 Mille Miglia and `Ermete' the 1956 Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti etc. Sharing not a single body panel with its Lancia Aurelia B24 Convertible successor (the younger machine also being `watered down' via a more conventional windscreen and full-width bumpers), the B24 Spider America was only available for a single season. Prohibitively expensive to manufacture, just 240 rolled off the production line. The 181 left-hand drive cars were differentiated from their 59 right-hand drive counterparts by "B24S" chassis numbers (the "S" for "Sinistra", the Italian word for Left). A thoroughbred design both in terms of its aesthetics and mechanical specification, the Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America has long been a motoring icon.

According to a surviving green continuation logbook this particular example - chassis number B24-1055 - was registered to its previous keeper John Le Sage Esq of Greenwich, London on October 10th 1969. Little else is known about the car's history before it entered the current family ownership some thirty-six years ago. However, a copy letter on file, the original of which was sent to The Curator of The Montagu Motor Museum during May 1978, does provide some clues:

"Dear Sir,

I have had the Aurelia Spider, SYK 6, since 1973 and noticed a year or two ago that you do not have one of these cars on exhibition.

This car was originally imported in 1955, one of three, I believe, in that year and was white. When I first had it, it was red and not in very good condition at all bodily, but mechanically it was good with reputedly only 50,000 miles done by the engine and the brakes (were) very good.

I have had the original gaping holes in the floor welded up and a brand new windscreen, but the hood was never working correctly and a good deal of work needs to be done on the sills and wheel arches. It looks a bit sad but it has never been in a crash as far as I can see. In general I intend to restore it, regain the original white, rebuild the hood correctly (I have new fawn / black duck from Italy), have the seats remade and perhaps offer it for exhibition but not necessarily for sale.

However, I also have an Aurelia B12 Saloon and a Type 40 Bugatti and plenty of other things to do as well as a full-time job.

Knowing that you restore cars as part of your general activity, I was wondering whether we could come to some arrangement whereby you carry on with the restoration with a view to enabling the car to be exhibited for quite a high proportion of the year, and yet enabling me to have continued occasional or periodic use of it without my incurring much more expenditure than my restoration programme has so far allowed.

I have not used the car for a year, although I have run up the engine and moved it slightly from time to time. I am loath to get rid of it for good as it is one of the most useful and pleasant cars that I have ever driven.

I look forward with great interest to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely"

The response from the Montagu Motor Museum (now the Beaulieu National Motor Museum) is unknown but the Lancia was still waiting patiently when local restorer Bill Roberts of Wokingham was commissioned to begin work in 1998. Repainted dark green following an extensive bodywork refurbishment, the Spider also had its seats retrimmed using cream Connolly leather. Put-up on axle stands thereafter, `SYK 6' has been in need of reassembly ever since. Apparently last turned over by hand during December 2004, its engine - serial number B24-1151 - has now been dropped back into position for ease of transport (though, the transaxle remains detached). Three out of the four quarter bumpers are with the car but much of the other brightwork appears to be missing including the sill trims, jacking point covers and bonnet scoop edging etc. The front axle, rear De Dion tube and steering gear are in situ but the car lacks shock absorbers. The interior houses a dashboard, hood frame, wiring loom and various instruments but nothing is properly connected.

Due to the Spider's partially disassembled state and some uncertainty as to which of the accompanying `spare parts' actually belong to it, renowned marque specialists Omicron Engineering of Mulbarton have agreed to carry out a first-hand inspection. Although unavailable at the time of cataloguing, copies of their findings can be obtained from H&H's head office. Known to the DVLA, the Lancia retains a modern UK V5C Registration document as well as the aforementioned green continuation logbook, Montagu Motor Museum letter and numerous handwritten notes. Sold strictly as viewed, `SYK 6' represents a rare opportunity to acquire not only one of the 59 right-hand drive B24 Spider Americas but also a car that is potentially eligible for such prestigious international events as the Mille Miglia Storica.