The 1954 Lancia Aurelia B20 Series IV is a landmark in the history of automotive engineering, known for its combination of performance, luxury, and innovative design. As a part of the Lancia Aurelia line, which was first introduced in 1950, the B20 Series IV represents the pinnacle of the model's development and stands out as one of the most iconic grand tourers of its era.
Background: The Lancia Aurelia
Before diving into the specifics of the B20 Series IV, it's essential to understand the context of the Aurelia line. Lancia, an Italian automaker with a reputation for cutting-edge engineering and bold design, introduced the Aurelia as its first V6-powered car in 1950. This was a significant leap forward in automotive design, as V6 engines were relatively rare at the time, and Lancia's use of this configuration set the car apart from its competitors.
The Aurelia was available in a range of body styles, including a sedan (B10), a coupe (B20), and a cabriolet (B24). The B20 coupe, however, would become the most famous and widely regarded for its combination of elegance, performance, and technological innovation.
The Lancia Aurelia B20: Evolution through the Series
The B20 was the coupe variant of the Aurelia and went through multiple series during its production run from 1951 to 1958. The Series IV, produced from 1954 to 1955, represents the midpoint of the B20's evolution.
Series I (1951-1952): The earliest B20 had a 2.0-liter V6 engine producing around 75 horsepower. It was a relatively simple but effective design.
Series II (1952-1953): This series saw a refinement in the car’s suspension and increased power output to approximately 85 horsepower.
Series III (1953-1954): The power increased to 100 horsepower with improved reliability and handling.
Series IV (1954-1955): The Series IV, which we're focusing on, saw a significant upgrade in terms of both engine and suspension design, making it one of the most highly regarded of the B20 variants.
The Lancia Aurelia B20 Series IV (1954)
Key Features and Innovations
Engine and Performance:
The B20 Series IV retained the V6 engine that was the hallmark of the Aurelia line but was improved for better performance. The 2.5-liter V6 engine in the Series IV produced about 118 horsepower, giving the car impressive acceleration and a top speed of approximately 170 km/h (about 105 mph). This made the B20 Series IV one of the fastest and most advanced cars of its time.
Transmission:
The car featured a 4-speed manual transmission, which allowed for smooth shifting and an engaging driving experience. The gearbox was well-matched to the engine, offering a balance of performance and refinement.
Design and Styling:
Designed by Lancia's in-house engineer Francesco de Virgilio, the B20 Series IV had a stunningly sleek, aerodynamic body, with flowing lines and a balanced coupe profile. The design was a refinement over the earlier models, with subtle changes to the grille, rear fenders, and overall dimensions.
Suspension and Handling:
One of the key innovations of the Series IV was its advanced suspension system. The B20 Series IV featured a fully independent rear suspension, which was a significant upgrade over the previous models that had a solid rear axle. This gave the car improved handling and ride comfort, contributing to its reputation as a superb grand tourer.
Interior:
Inside, the B20 Series IV offered a luxurious yet minimalist cockpit, with high-quality materials like leather upholstery and polished wood trim. The dashboard was clean and functional, reflecting the Italian ethos of combining elegance with practicality.
Chassis and Construction:
The Series IV had a slightly lighter chassis compared to the earlier models, making it more agile and responsive on the road. The car’s balance and handling were widely praised, with the independent rear suspension enhancing its ability to take corners with precision.
As the car had spent a long time sitting not driven, the brakes rebuilt and also determined that the engine needed to be rebuilt. All the necessary original parts from Autoricambi Cavalitto in Torino, Italy were purchased.
The first thing you would notice when driving this car is how powerful the engine feels. Although it has been driven fewer than 100 km since the rebuild, it wants to go. The car shows very well, top and bottom, inside and out.
The car sits in a climate-controlled car barn which houses the owner's collection of cars. It is located less than a half hour drive from Dulles International Airport (IAD) in suburban Washington, DC. There is a lift to put the car up to examine the underside. The roads in my area are among the best anywhere in the States for driving for enjoyment.
