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Classic Cars 1955 Lancia Aurelia

22 May 2011

Originally launch at the 1950 Turin Motorshow, Lancia’s Aurelia was the first significant production model to be launched after Word War Two.  It featured the first V6 engine to be used in a mass production car, was one of the first cars to use radial tyres and in an effort to keep the weight of the car as low as possible; aluminium was used in the doors, bonnet and bootlid.

Initial production centred on the four door saloon, with a two door GT Coupe following a year later.  All the mechanicals came from the pen of renowned racing car designer Vittoria Jano.  Because of this, features such as overhead camshafts and a gearbox incorporated in the rear axel made their production car introduction.  These features also gave Aurelia a sporting pedigree from the outset.  This was later to be proved a reality when an Aurellia finished second only to a Ferrari America in the 1951 Mille Miglia and took a class win at Le Mans in the same year.  The 1952 Targa Florio saw a modified Lancia Aurelia take overall victory.  A good sporting record for a humble family saloon.

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