The 1957 Lancia Aurelia B24S Convertible represents one of only 521 examples produced during a short run of three years. This particular car has seen careful ownership, long-term use in Europe, and more recently, a full restoration in the United States that focused on both structural and mechanical integrity.
Design and Exterior Details of the 1957 Lancia Aurelia B24S Convertible
The Aurelia B24S Convertible marked a shift from the earlier Spider model, offering more refined usability while retaining Pininfarina’s sculpted lines. This car’s body was stripped and repaired before being repainted in red, highlighting the curvature of the panels. Restoration included fabrication of new rocker panels and repair of lower fenders, doors, and quarter sections.
Subtle exterior touches add to its distinctive look. Features include a single-piece front bumper, roll-up windows, dual exhaust outlets, and a black convertible top with matching boot. The chrome brightwork has been re-plated, while new body seals and emblems were installed to complete the refinished exterior.
Restored Interior with Black Leather Trim
Inside, the cabin was fully retrimmed in black Vaumol crushed-grain leather, complementing the exterior finish. Color-keyed carpets cover the floors and transmission tunnel, and the convertible top frame was refinished before being reupholstered.
Details include a lockable glovebox, floor-mounted shifter, lap belts, and a heater. The dashboard is painted body color, fitted with Jaeger instrumentation including a central tachometer with inset clock and a 220 km/h speedometer. A wood-rimmed steering wheel provides a period-correct finishing touch.
Performance and Engineering of the 1957 Lancia Aurelia B24S Convertible
Under the hood sits the 2,451cc V6, an innovative engine design that positioned the Aurelia as the first series-production car to feature V6 power. The aluminum block and heads, hemispherical combustion chambers, and pushrod-actuated valves highlight its advanced engineering. A single Weber carburetor feeds the unit, while modern updates include an auxiliary cooling fan and electric fuel pump.
During the recent restoration, the engine was resealed, tuned, and detailed. The carburetor was overhauled, and ignition components were replaced for reliability. Supporting systems were also updated, with the radiator and heater core recored to improve cooling efficiency. Power is transmitted through a replacement four-speed manual transaxle with a rebuilt clutch assembly and inboard-mounted rear brakes.
Suspension work included rebuilding the sliding-pillar front design, overhauling the De Dion rear axle, and fitting new Koni rear shock absorbers. Zinc-plated hardware and refinished components reflect the meticulous approach taken during the project. Hydraulic drum brakes were also rebuilt with stainless steel resleeved cylinders and new lines.
Certification and Provenance
This Aurelia comes with ASI and ACI certification and extensive documentation of the restoration, which totaled over $332,000 between 2019 and 2022. Included are an owner’s manual, service manual, a jack, and Connecticut registration serving as the ownership document.
Summary
The 1957 Lancia Aurelia B24S Convertible blends its rarity with a carefully executed restoration. With a V6 engine, Pininfarina styling, and certification backing its authenticity, this example shows the results of precision work and decades of preservation.
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Source & Details: bringatrailer.com
