Lancia Aurelia B20 GT: UK History, Specifications and Buying Guide

Quick answer: Introduced in 1951, the B20 GT transformed Lancia’s advanced Aurelia platform into a compact 2+2 coupé. Britain received genuine right-hand-drive cars through Lancia England, making it an authentic—if exceptionally rare—UK-market model.

History and character

Pinin Farina shaped the fastback body around a shortened Aurelia chassis. Beneath it sat an all-alloy 60-degree V6, designed under Francesco De Virgilio, with the clutch and four-speed gearbox grouped at the rear. Early cars used independent rear suspension; Series IV adopted a de Dion axle for greater predictability.

Six series were built from 1951 to 1958. The first cars used a 1,991 cc V6 producing roughly 75–80 bhp. From Series III capacity rose to 2,451 cc, while later cars offered up to about 118 bhp and around 110 mph. Near-standard B20s finished second in the 1951 Mille Miglia and won their class at Le Mans.

UK provenance matters. One surviving Series VI press demonstrator is recorded as one of just 25 UK-market right-hand-drive examples imported by Lancia England, while earlier RHD cars also reached Britain.

Key specifications

What to check before buying

• Identity: verify chassis, engine, series and factory handedness.
• Structure: inspect sills, floors, suspension mounts, boot and screen surrounds.
• V6: require specialist history, correct oil pressure and stable cooling.
• Transaxle: listen for bearing noise, weak synchromesh and driveline vibration.
• Trim: instruments, seats, brightwork and series-specific parts are costly.

Verdict

Lancia Aurelia B20 GT earns its place here because it combines genuine UK-market relevance with engineering and design that have become increasingly unusual. The best example is the one with the strongest history, soundest structure and fewest improvised repairs—not necessarily the shiniest paint.

Research basis: Stellantis Heritage, factory-era specifications and RM Sotheby’s records for UK-supplied cars.