This 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America combines one of the most expressive Italian body designs of the post-war era with remarkable engineering and an exceptional collector history. Particularly noteworthy is the acquisition, documented according to the consignor, directly from the well-known Bazille family for 1.2 million euros, for which original purchase documents and invoices are reportedly available. The vehicle is equipped with a B24 V6 engine bearing the documented engine number B24*1183*, the characteristic wooden steering wheel, and the model-specific bumper corners. A comprehensive valuation report prepared by Dipl.-Ing. Klaus Kukuk in 2016 assessed the overall condition at 2+ at that time.
There are automobiles whose significance extends far beyond their technical specifications. The Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America undoubtedly belongs to this group. It was created in an era when Italian automobile manufacturers combined technical innovation with a freedom of design that continues to fascinate to this day.
When Lancia presented the Aurelia range in 1950, the marque set new standards. Its compact V6 engine, advanced chassis design, and transaxle concept demonstrated a remarkably independent technical approach. Moving the gearbox and clutch to the rear axle promoted balanced weight distribution and gave the Aurelia its distinctive engineering character.
With the B20 GT, the Aurelia evolved into an elegant gran turismo. The open B24 Spider consistently continued this philosophy. Its bodywork, designed by Pininfarina, dispensed with unnecessary ornamentation and instead relied on exceptionally harmonious proportions.
The sweeping panoramic windscreen, low doors without exterior door handles, elongated fenders, and elegantly tapering rear gave the Spider an unmistakable silhouette. Unlike the later B24 Convertible with wind-up windows, the original Spider retained an especially purist appearance.
According to the Lancia marque documentation reproduced in the valuation report, only 240 examples of the B24 Spider were produced, including 59 right-hand-drive cars. This low production figure underscores the model’s special standing within Italian automotive history.
The vehicle offered here bears chassis number B24S-1092 and is presented in classic red. The elegant Pininfarina body features the characteristic details of the early America Spider: the panoramic windscreen, low doors, and distinctive front-end design with the Lancia radiator grille.
Particular attention should be paid to the original bumper corners, known as bumperettes. Especially on a model this rare, such details are of considerable importance to the authenticity of the overall impression. According to the consignor, these original components have been retained.
The 2016 valuation report assessed both the bodywork and the paintwork with a condition rating of 2+. The chrome, trim, and ancillary components also received this rating.
The understated elegance of the exterior continues inside. The cockpit focuses on the essentials: classic round instruments, a clearly arranged dashboard, and the direct connection between driver and machine.
A particularly appealing detail is the original wooden steering wheel, according to the consignor. It is one of those characteristic features that give the B24 Spider its special appeal and are correspondingly valued in a historically correct presentation.
The interior was also awarded a condition rating of 2+ in the valuation report.
Under the bonnet is a water-cooled 2,451 cc V6 engine. The valuation report documents engine number B24*1183* and states an output of 82 kW at 5,000 rpm. Mixture preparation is handled by a Weber twin-choke carburettor of type 40 DCZ 6.
According to the consignor, this is the original B24 power unit and expressly not a replacement engine from a B20 Coupé. This distinction is essential to the vehicle’s historical classification and collector significance.
Power is transmitted via the characteristic transaxle design. Together with the De Dion rear axle, it demonstrates how consistently Lancia employed sophisticated chassis engineering in its road cars as early as the 1950s.
The consignor describes the engine and gearbox as functioning perfectly and currently sees no need for servicing or remedial work. The 2016 valuation report rated the engine, chassis, and gearbox and drivetrain each at 2+.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of this Lancia is its reported ownership history. According to information from the consignor, the vehicle was acquired at the time directly from the well-known Bazille family for 1.2 million euros.
The associated original documents, invoices, and purchase receipts are reportedly held in full in the vehicle file. Such substantial documentation can be of considerable importance for a rare Italian sports car from the 1950s, as it makes key stages of its history traceable.
The vehicle was first registered on 1 July 1955. In November 2016, it underwent an extensive inspection by publicly appointed and sworn automotive expert Dipl.-Ing. Klaus Kukuk.
The vehicle is accompanied by a detailed valuation report prepared in 2016 under number 1611010730. Among other things, it documents the vehicle identity, engine, bodywork, chassis, interior, and technical assemblies.
The report also lists German registration documents, a British UK Registration Certificate, and documents from the Italian Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI).
The inspection at that time concluded with an overall condition rating of 2+. This rating refers to the time of inspection in November 2016 and does not constitute a current condition assessment.
The Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America is one of the most impressive open sports cars of its era. Its exceptional Pininfarina bodywork, advanced V6 technology, and low production number make it a particularly interesting collector vehicle.
The example offered here combines these qualities with a documented B24 engine, important original equipment details, and a comprehensive vehicle file. Added to this is the provenance from the circle of the Bazille family reported by the consignor, giving this car an additional historical dimension.
This Aurelia therefore appeals not only to enthusiasts of Italian design, but equally to collectors who value technical independence, rarity, and a traceable vehicle history.
Some automobiles need no grand staging. A glance at the low windscreen, sweeping fenders, and simple cockpit is enough to understand why the B24 Spider America occupies a special place in automotive history. It is not a sports car whose appeal derives solely from performance. Rather, its allure lies in the combination of extraordinary design and distinctive, sophisticated engineering. That is precisely what makes it remarkable even after seven decades.
This description has been automatically translated. Original language: German.
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