1950 Lancia Aurelia

Lancia Aurelia B50/ B51/ B52/ B53 Cabriolet

As was usual at the time, when Lancia offered their new Aurelia for sale in 1950 the included a bare chassis to be offered to coachbuilders as a blank canvas onto which they could create their designs. Those provided with the 1754cc Lancia V6 OHV engine producing 56bhp were designated the B50 (or B51 with a different tyre/ gearing specification). Later, a 1991cc engine was offered, the designation being B52 (or B53 with different tyre/gearing).

The majority of these coachbuilt examples were created by Pininfarina who created 265 examples of their cabriolet, built mostly between 1950 and 1951 (a single car was recorded as being built in 1952). Almost all used the smaller engine, but four were fitted with the 1991cc unit, although retained their B50 chassis number.

The model used the Aurelia's standard front engine, rear wheel drive layout. Power was delivered through a four-speed manual gearbox, presented as a column shift, allowing a bench front seat. A novel transaxle incorporated the transmission, differential and brakes into one unit, reducing the unsprung weight and delivering impressive handling. Suspension was via a sliding pillar at the front, and leaf springs at the rear.

Today, the Lancia Aurelia B50 Cabriolet is a well-regarded early 1950s cabriolet. Although lacking the power and elegance of its Pininfarina-designed in-house successor, the Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America, the model is rare in the UK and collectable. Period alternatives include the Jaguar XK-120 and the later Alvis TD21.