Lot 171: Lancia Aurelia B53 Coupe

(Est.) 80 bhp, 1,991 cc OHV V-6 engine, four-speed manual gearbox, sliding pillar front suspension, independent rear suspension with coil springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 104.7"

- A one-off show car created for display at the 1953 Turin Motor Show - Smooth and elegant Giovanni Michelotti-designed Allemano coachwork - Advanced engineering with independent rear suspension and two-liter V-6 - Handsomely restored; complete with its original Italian registration plates

This stunning Lancia Aurelia coupe is a one-off display car originally created for the 1953 Turin Motor Show. Mated to an already-rare B53 chassis, of which fewer than 90 examples were produced, the car's mechanical underpinnings trace their lineage to the excellent Gianni Lancia and Vittorio Jano-designed Aurelia, which remains notable as Lancia's first all-new, postwar automobile design.

Its handsome styling comes from the gifted hands of designer Giovanni Michelotti. The prolific Michelotti worked for a number of design houses in addition to Allemano, most notably Vignale. Just this spring, Michelotti was honored by his induction into the European Automotive Hall of Fame.

Michelotti's design for the car offered here was brought to life by the panel beaters and craftsmen of Turin's Carrozzeria Allemano, which also fabricated (and sometimes designed) bodies for such highly esteemed marques as Aston Martin, Ferrari, Fiat and Maserati. The bonnet and doors were fashioned in aluminum, which was still considered an exotic metal in the 1950s. Its use accounted for a considerable weight reduction and correspondingly improved performance from Lancia's two-liter V-6 engine.

The elegant two-door, four-place coupe he created exudes conservative elegance, representing nothing less than the automotive equivalent of a finely tailored suit. It also, however, shows expected Italian flair in the twin air intakes flanking the grille and in the striking black-over-blue color scheme. The coupe's profile ends with dramatically sloping rear fenders that lend the overall design a decidedly sporting flavor.

The rarity and significance of this Lancia warranted a total restoration of the highly original car. Inside, the period reviews of the Lancia B-Series coupes of the day noted that the rear seats were more suitable for carrying additional luggage than passengers. Reviewers also wrote that the front was amply sized and that the cloth fabric provided good grip to hold occupants in place during enthusiastic driving. Prior to the car's recent sale in May 2010, an inspection of the car revealed a beautiful state of finish and detail, with the brightwork, glass and fabric materials presenting very well. The details on the doors and dash continued to be as impressive and thoughtful as they were when the car impressed potential buyers at Turin.

Offered with its original Italian registration plates, this unique 1952 Lancia Aurelia B53 Coupe by Allemano is ready for spirited touring or display within a collection of the most unique and stylish products of Italy's golden age of automotive design during the 1950s.

Sold - price confidential