Understated Beauty - The Lancia Aurelia B12 Berlina

In the completely biased view of this writer, this Lancia Aurelia B12 Berlina offered by Iconic Auctioneers - is one of the most beautiful saloons of its generation. There is not an extraneous detail in the entire body, from the pillarless doors to the way in which the ‘Shield’ grille blends seamlessly with the metalwork. To quote the motoring writer Max Millar:

Although Vincenzo Lancia died in 1937 the influence of his early originality in the Lancia concern persists to this day, as may be witnessed by the specialized design, performance and workmanship of present-day Lancia cars.

In 1948, Lancia commenced work on a new saloon to appeal to the post-war motoring connoisseur. The specification included an alloy-cased gearbox that incorporated the clutch, transmission, differential, and inboard drum brakes. At the front was Lancia’s famous sliding pillar suspension.  The Aurelia’s name was in tribute to the Rome to Ventimiglia road constructed during the reign of Emperor Aurelianus Augustus, beginning a tradition of Lancia naming its products after Roman consular routes.

The Aurelia Berlina made its bow on the 16th of April 1950 to a small number of Lancia’s VIP guests, with the official launch at the Turin Motor Show on the 4th of May. Your friendly local Lancia dealer could proudly boast that the Aurelia was the world’s first production car with a V6 engine, and it had an unparalleled smoothness. The Aurelia had a rear-wheel-drive layout: Gianni Lancia was unenthusiastic about front-wheel-drive after some less-than-positive experiences with a Citroën Traction Avant.

The Aurelia Berlina’s price was 1,830,000 Lire, a sum which represented several years’ wages for the average worker. By 1951, the Aurelia was available with the B21 2-litre engine, followed by the more powerful B22, which featured a modified camshaft and exhaust manifold.

Lancia facelifted the Berlina in 1954 as the B12 with a 2,266cc V6 engine, and new suspension. Tim Heath of the Lancia Motor Club - https://lanciamc.co.uk/ - the Aurelia’s former custodian, points out the front fog lamps, modified dashboard, and extra equipment - “It is also the first production car with tinted glass as standard”. Sales ended in January 1956.  

One detail of the Aurelia that might surprise some readers is the right-hand-drive layout on an Italian market car. In fact, Italy commenced driving on the right in the 1920s, but upmarket models retained RHD steering. Until 1954, Lancia sold the Aurelia in right-hand-drive form, with LHD an extra-cost option. 

As for UK sales, you would need to be a motorist of some means to call Lancia (England) Ltd. on PERivale 5656 to arrange an Aurelia Berlina test drive. When Autocar evaluated the B12 in 1955, the price was £2,862 15s 10d. To put this figure in context, it was around four times the price of a Ford Consul Mk. I while the average weekly wage was £10 17s 5d; However, Autocar found the Lancia’s “suspension equal of the cornering abilities” and “experience of it left one with a longing for more, much more”.

In its homeland, the Aurelia Berlina faced strong competition from the Alfa Romeo 1900, while some middle-class drivers opted for the cheaper Fiat 1400 Berlina. However, Lancia enthusiasts will argue that the B12 had no equivalent, and virtually every detail of Tim’s Aurelia fascinates, from the hand throttle control on the fascia - “I have made use of it when starting the Lancia” - to the rear-hinged back doors. His Lancia was originally: 

Purchased by a Swiss gentleman who did not use it much, and sold it to an Italian Prince. I bought the Aurelia in Italy and drove it home. The only Lancia branding is on the hubcaps, so many people have no idea about its identity. Some think it is an old Bentley or an old Rover.  

But the Aurelia has no need to proclaim its marque identity to the world, just as it shuns extraneous chrome work. To those in the know, it is a Lancia – and that is all that matters.

With thanks to Tim Heath and Iconic Auctioneers for their time.

With thanks to Iconic Auctioneers for the permission to use the images in this blog.