Lancia’s Aurelia platform impressed from the moment it was launched, thanks to industry-leading technology in the form of unitary construction, a clever rear transaxle, and the world’s first production V-6—a gem of an engine with hemispherical combustion chambers and in-line valves. But while the perfectly tailored B20 GT brought with it a dash of flair, it wasn’t until the arrival of the open-topped B24S Spider in 1954—which shared the GT’s running gear—that the Aurelia finally reached its stylistic zenith.
By 1956, the platform had undergone its fifth series revision, and alongside the rest of the range an updated version of the Spider was launched: the B24S Convertible. It did away with a few of the earlier car’s more stylish features, among them the attractive split bumpers and panoramic windscreen. But for many the trade-off was worth it, with the refreshed model bringing a more comfortable seating position, wind-up windows, and a windscreen with fixed quarterlights, not to mention an additional 10 horsepower.
Story by RM Sotheby’s
