1953 Lancia Aurelia B20GT Coachwork by Pinin Farina Chassis no. 2790 Engine no. 3125 Introduced in 1907, Vincenzo Lancia's first car showed an independence of thought and defiance of convention that would remain associated with the marque well into the modern era. Lancia recommenced production after WW2 with the Aprilia and its smaller cousin the Ardea, but waiting in the wings was yet another groundbreaking design: the Aurelia. Lancia's classic Aurelia, the first car ever to employ a V6 engine, was launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show. The B10 saloon was joined the following year by the Pinin Farina-styled B20 Coupe, a fastback ‘2+2' on a shortened wheelbase which, with its combination of sports car performance and saloon car practicality, can be said to have introduced the Gran Turismo concept to the world. The Aurelia engine had been increased to 1,991cc in 1951 and it was this unit in up-rated form that went into the B20. Lighter and higher geared than the saloon, the B20 was good for a top speed of over 100mph. Introduced in 1953, the 3rd and subsequent series B20s were powered by a 2,451cc, 118bhp version of the pushrod V6, while 4th-series onwards cars had De Dion rear suspension instead of the original semi-trailing-arm arrangement. An engineering tour de force clothed in sublime coachwork by Italy's foremost carrozzerie, the Aurelia B20 represents for many the zenith of Lancia's post-war production. Possibly raced in-period, this right-hand drive, competition-prepared B20GT ‘low roof' coupé has been used successfully in historic racing in recent years, taking part in many rallies and track events in Italy, and winning its class in the Italian Championship in 1996. Events entered include the Targa Florio Storico and Rally dei Fiori - San Remo, and the car has many victories to its credit including wins at Balocco, Vairano and Monza. Restored by KCA, the car features a full-race, 150bhp engine prepared by Gamberini Racing, of Bologna, and is “on the button”. We can confirm it sounds wonderful! It comes with FIA and CSAI papers, together with valid Italian libretto, and is eligible for most major historic events including the Mille Miglia, Tour Auto and Monte Carlo Rally. Participant à des évènements historiques tels que la Targa Florio ou le Rallye dei Fiori-San Remo, cette B20GT coupé conduite à droite, préparée compétition, a été utilisée avec beaucoup de succès ces dernières années dans les rallyes et rassemblements sur des circuits en Italie. Elle remporte le Championnat italien dans sa classe en 1996 ainsi que des victoires à Balocco, Vairano et Monza. Restaurée par KCA, la voiture est équipée pour la course avec un moteur 150 ch. préparé par Gamberini Racing de Bologne, et sera livrée à son futur acquéreur avec ses papiers FIA et CSAI, sans oublier ses papiers italiens d'immatriculation. Estimate: €60,000 to 70,000 (CHF96,000-110,000)