1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America
Like the majority of the left-hand B24S Spider Americas, chassis B24S1156 was originally delivered to the United States. The most significant portion of the desirable Spider America’s history began in the mid-1980s, when it was acquired and reimported to Italy by Silvana Cima, a well-known Italian Lancia collector. In order to return the car to active use, Mr. Cima commissioned a complete mechanical and cosmetic restoration from Milan-based KCA Restorations, for many years one of the world’s leading Lancia restorers.
The Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America was “discovered” as an extremely desirable landmark 1950s sports car about eight years ago, when prices more than doubled over a three-year period.
This B24 Spider was powered by the 2, 451cc V6 producing 118bhp, which in a car weighing a mere 1, 050kg, made for lively acceleration and a top speed of 115mph. With the Stateside driver in mind the car was marketed as the Spider America, and is known as such today, with just 240 cars produced during a year long production run.
Spider Americas had a distinctive Veglia gauge layout that differed from the Convertible with large center speedometer. A blanking plate is fitted in place of a radio. Interior metal trim remains bright with some signs of use up close. Diamond-patterned rubber mats look well kept. Inner door cavities are home to simple leather pull-cord releases in lieu of either internal or external handles.
A mere 240 examples of the two-seat Aurelia B24 Spyder America were made (in both left and right-hand drive forms) as production was limited by the capacity of the Pinin Farina factory – and fewer still exist today. The combination of rarity, engineering excellence and Pinin Farina’s gorgeous body makes this superb car a blue chip investment.
