LANCIA Aurelia 1952

LANCIA Aurelia

- Mille Miglia Eligible, Mille Miglia participations in 2021 and 2026 - Documented Italian history, including its original 1971 paper Libretto di Circolazione preserved in the accompanying history file - Elegant without ostentation, technically sophisticated and unmistakably Italian - This example received an extensive mechanical attention from the renowned Dutch specialist Mugello Engineering - Numerous invoices amount to a combined total of approximately € 61,565, reflecting the considerable investment made in the Aurelia’s mechanical condition and preparation - Powered by Lancia’s advanced 1,991 cc V6 engine - Early starting number in the Mille Miglia (determined by its year of manufacture) The 1950s were one of the most fascinating and important periods in the history of Lancia. During this decade, the Turin manufacturer established itself as one of Europe’s most sophisticated carmakers, combining advanced engineering, elegant Italian design and an increasingly ambitious involvement in motor racing. Introduced in 1951, the B21 was essentially a more powerful development of the original Aurelia B10. While the B10 used a 1,754 cc V6, the B21 received a larger 1,991 cc V6 engine. The B21 combined qualities that became characteristic of the Aurelia: a compact V6 engine, independent front suspension, excellent balance and the rear-mounted gearbox and differential. Rather than being simply a luxury saloon, it offered a remarkably sophisticated driving experience for the early 1950s. The Aurelia was important not just as a road car. It also helped transform Lancia’s relationship with motorsport. At the 1951 Mille Miglia, an Aurelia B20 GT achieved an extraordinary second place overall while also winning its class. This success encouraged Lancia to establish a more ambitious official racing programme. The Aurelia subsequently achieved important results in international competition, including victory at the 1952 Targa Florio and the 1954 Monte Carlo Rally. ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE This elegant 1952 Lancia Aurelia B21, finished in Beige, was registered for the first time in August 1952 with Torino plates. The car’s surviving historical documentation provides an important insight into its early life in Italy. Its original paper Libretto di Circolazione, dating from 1971 and still preserved in the history file, records that in April of that year the Aurelia was owned by Mr Giorgio Marinone of Novara, in northern Italy. On 11 January 1975, ownership passed to Mrs Lidia Ricotti, also resident in Novara who sold it in 1983 to P.B.S. DI GIORGIO SCHON E C. SNC. An especially fascinating chapter in the history of this example is its association with the Schön family, a name connected with Italian fashion, motorsport and the collecting of important automobiles. Mila Schön, born Maria Carmen Nutrizio, moved to Milan with her husband Aurelio Schön, a racing driver who competed in the Mille Miglia between 1953 and 1956 and was among the founders of the celebrated Sant’Ambroeus Racing Team. Mila Schön opened her first atelier in Milan in 1958 and went on to become an internationally recognised figure in Italian haute couture, later expanding into prêt-à-porter. Her restrained, sophisticated style made the Schön name synonymous with discreet Italian elegance. Her son, Giorgio Schön, combined his involvement in the family fashion business with a lifelong passion for motor racing and historic automobiles. He competed in numerous cars, and assembled an important collection of classic and competition cars. Mr. Schön owned the B21, until 1990, when he sold it to the Motoralbum classic car dealer. In May 2019, it was sold to the Netherlands, beginning a new chapter in its history. During 2021, the car received extensive mechanical attention from the renowned Dutch Lancia specialist Mugello Engineering. Numerous invoices preserved in the history file document substantial work carried out on the car. The twelve recorded invoices amount to an exceptional combined total of approximately € 61,565, demonstrating the considerable investment made in the Aurelia’s mechanical condition and preparation. That investment was followed by a return to one of the events most closely associated with the Aurelia name. In 2021, it participated in the Mille Miglia with a Dutch crew. Five years later, the car returned once again to the famous Italian event, successfully participating in the 2026 Mille Miglia. This specific example rather than presenting itself as an excessively restored automobile, it retains the charm and authenticity of a carefully preserved car. Its beige bodywork is complemented by complete period chrome trim and a beautifully aged interior. Several fascinating period details remain with the car, including its Condor radio, period lighting equipment and a rare old Club delle Mille Miglia sticker. The painted competition number, and period-style markings currently displayed on the bodywork is purely decorative. It was applied by the previous owner as a reference to the car’s participation in the 2021 Mille Miglia, when it competed under that same number. CONDITION EXTERIOR The car presents with a genuine and pleasantly aged appearance. The body panels appear well presented and properly aligned, while the exterior brightwork remains complete, including the bumpers, window surrounds, decorative trim and hubcaps. These elements retain an appealing period character rather than the appearance of a recently restored car. CONDITION INTERIOR The seats retain their period character, while the dashboard, steering wheel, instruments and controls contribute to the unmistakable atmosphere of an early-1950s Lancia. Currently the car is fitted with modern sport seats but the original seats are with the car. Of particular interest is the period Condor radio, a charming detail that further enhances the originality and character of the passenger compartment. DRIVING EXPERIENCE Behind the wheel, the Aurelia B21 offers a refined and engaging driving experience, combining the comfort of a sophisticated saloon with the responsive character for which Lancia became renowned. The B21 impresses through balance, mechanical refinement and effortless progress. With substantial mechanical work entrusted to Mugello Engineering, this B21 combines the charm of a preserved Aurelia with the preparation required for prestigious long-distance events such as the Mille Miglia. Ready for the next Mille Miglia, this 1952 Aurelia B21 combines proven event experience with the advantage of an early starting number, determined by its year of manufacture, making it a particularly appealing choice for future editions. Disclaimer The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.