The 1957 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT Coupe continues to stand as one of the most respected and influential grand touring cars ever produced, blending advanced engineering, motorsport pedigree and timeless Italian design into a package that still commands admiration decades after its debut.
More than 70 years after the Aurelia first appeared, the model remains celebrated among collectors and enthusiasts for redefining what a performance road car could be in the postwar era. The B20 GT coupe, widely viewed as the most iconic version of the Aurelia lineup, earned its reputation both on public roads and in international competition.
Its motorsports credentials became clear early in the model’s history. During the 1951 Mille Miglia, three Aurelia B20s finished among the first seven cars to cross the line, including one that secured second place overall. The achievement was particularly remarkable considering the car competed against significantly larger and more powerful rivals, including Ferraris with nearly double the engine displacement.
At the center of the Aurelia’s engineering significance was its aluminum V-6 engine, recognized as the first production V6 ever installed in a road car. Combined with carefully balanced weight distribution and innovative chassis engineering, the B20 developed a reputation for performance and handling that placed it well ahead of many contemporaries.
The featured 1957 example represents the sixth and final series of B20 production. By that stage, Lancia had refined the model with subtle engineering improvements and understated styling revisions while maintaining the elegant proportions penned by Ghia. Among the distinctive finishing touches is a slim chrome strip running along the center of the hood, adding a refined visual accent without disrupting the coupe’s clean, minimalist appearance.
This particular car remains notably original and complete, preserving many of the characteristics that make surviving Aurelias especially desirable among collectors. Inside, the cabin features a straightforward driver-focused layout trimmed in black leather. The engine compartment and trunk area also retain a clean and correct presentation consistent with the car’s preserved condition.
Although the vehicle spent an extended period in storage and will require mechanical recommissioning, the pioneering V-6 engine is reportedly running well. That combination of originality and usability makes the coupe an appealing opportunity for collectors seeking an important piece of automotive history.
Today, the Aurelia B20 GT remains one of the defining Italian grand touring cars of its generation, admired not only for its beauty but also for the engineering innovations that influenced sports car development for years to come.
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Shawn Henry