With sporting mechanical specifications and expressively styled open spider coachwork, the Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America was one of the more notable attempts by a European manufacturer to field a sports car primed for the US market. Introduced at the 1955 Brussels Motor Show, the Spider America was built on a chassis more than 200 millimeters shorter than the standard fourth-series Aurelia B20 GT. The B24S received most of the Aurelia’s advanced mechanical components, including independent front suspension, inboard rear brakes, and the jewel-like aluminum engine generally considered to be the world’s first production V-6.
Pinin Farina’s coachwork featured voluptuous design cues such as a one-piece wraparound windshield, split bumperettes, cut-down doors, and pronounced fender curves. Clients seeking upgraded performance were able to option a special Nardi intake kit with dual Weber carburetors that improved compression and corresponding power. In total, 240 examples of the B24S spider were built, of which just 181 cars were specified as left-hand-drive sinestra examples. Claiming rarity and a nearly unparalleled period charm, these nimble lookers have evolved into some of the most collectable sports cars from the immediate post-war period.
This handsomely presented B24S continues to benefit from a restoration conducted by a Lancia club president, after which the car spent periods of ownership within three well-respected collections. Although the early history of this Aurelia is currently unknown, by the early 1990s the car had come into the care of Richard Buckingham, a vintage racing enthusiast who was also the president of the US Lancia Club.
Embarking on a comprehensive restoration in 1992, Mr. Buckingham commissioned his full-time mechanic to refurbish the running gear and ancillary components. The opportunity was taken to upgrade the original single-carburetor configuration to a dual-carbureted Nardi intake (which in combination with the Nardi steering wheel and Borrani wire wheels completes the desirable Nardi option package). Cosmetic elements were entrusted to the Italian marque expert Franco de Piero, who refinished the spider in the current ravishing color combination of midnight blue paint over a rosso leather interior.
In 2008 the beautifully restored Lancia was acquired by Paul and Chris Andrews, the respected performance car enthusiasts known for maintaining a fine collection based in Fort Worth, Texas. After five years of ownership, the Andrews sold the B24S in January 2013 and it passed into the world-renowned collection of Craig McCaw, the Washington state-based telecommunications entrepreneur. During Mr. McCaw’s ownership, the Spider America received significant mechanical attention from the esteemed Phil Reilly & Co, including service to the engine, clutch, brakes, and suspension.
In January 2016 the Lancia was acquired by the current owner, a respected private collector residing in the northeastern US. Over the past 10 years, the Aurelia has been dutifully maintained by the consignor’s collection manager while only accruing minimal driving mileage. It retains its numbers-matching body, engine and cylinder heads, as noted on its accompanying Stellantis vehicle build data sheet.
Celebrated for its spartan interior, sharp handling characteristics, and sensual coachwork, this Spider America would make an ideal entrant at major concours d’elegance and Italian car shows. Due to its early build date, the Aurelia is also eligible for some of the finest vintage driving events worldwide, including exclusive tours like the Mille Miglia Storica, the Colorado Grand 1000, and the California Mille. It would make a superlative complement to any sporting collection, ideal for roadster enthusiasts or collectors of important coachbuilt 1950s sports cars.
