Lot details Registration No: LAS 740 Chassis No: 1416 Mot Expiry: Sept 2009
Introduced in 1956 the Lancia Aurelia B24 Convertible was intended to be a more practical and cosseting machine than its B24 Spider predecessor. To this end, the newcomer boasted a more conventional windscreen (incorporating front quarterlights), improved seats, shallower sills, larger doors, wind-up windows and full-width bumpers etc. Though, the pair shared the same independent 'sliding-pillar' front suspension, De Dion tube rear set-up and shortened 96.5-inch wheelbase, the revised design benefited from a more civilized drivetrain incorporating a lighter clutch, bigger brakes and 'overdrive' top gear ratio. Evolving alongside the 5th Series and 6th Series incarnations of the B20 GT, the B24 Convertible was powered by a 2451cc OHV V6 engine allied to a four-speed transaxle (as with all Aurelias this advanced rear-mounted 'spilt-case' assembly also housed the differential). Considered by some to be the more relaxing drive, the Convertible was almost as fast as the Spider despite its more accommodating interior and greater kerb weight. Essentially hand built by Pinin Farina the B24 cars proved prohibitively expensive in their principal target market of America. Thus for all its added sophistication, the B24 Convertible was phased out in 1958 after just 521 had been made (though, some sources put the figure at 519).
Finished in Dark Blue with red leather upholstery, this particular 6th Series example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. To left-hand drive specification as were all B24 Convertibles (the S in their title designation signifying the Italian word for left, Sinistra), chassis number B24S-1416 was reportedly supplied new by the 'British Motor Company' of San Francisco, California. Off the road for some twenty-five years, it was imported to the UK in 2002 and treated to an extensive restoration. As well as an overhaul of its engine, transmission, suspension and brakes, the Convertible benefited from a bare metal repaint in Lancia Blue. Impressively, the two-door bodyshell is understood to have shown no signs of ever (a) being welded or (b) suffering crash damage. Fully re-trimmed in red leather, the two-seater also boasts a handmade mohair hood, refurbished chromework and factory hardtop (the latter correctly liveried in black). All the work was carried out by DTR Sports Cars of London and a photographic file charting their progress remains with the car. Remaining in the current ownership for the last seven or so years, 'LAS 740' is said to have been used as "a daily driver" during the summer months. A veteran of appearances in both Auto Italia (September 2003) and Classic & Sportscar (May 2007, November 2008, January 2009) magazines, this ultra stylish Lancia B24S Convertible is offered for sale with the aforementioned photographic restoration record, historic class (free) road tax and MOT certificate valid until September 2009.
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