Upon its debut at the 1950 Torino Motor Show, the Lancia Aurelia was recognized as one of the most technically sophisticated automobiles of the era. Developed under the direction of legendary engineers Vittorio Jano and Francesco de Virgilio, the Aurelia showcased a variety of advanced features, including a rear-mounted transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension, inboard rear brakes, and the world’s first production V-6 engine. The model’s sporting credentials were swiftly established by the Aurelia B20 GT, which achieved a sensational 2nd place finish at the 1000 Miglia in 1951, beaten only by a Ferrari 340 America. Further successes followed, including a class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, cementing the model’s reputation as one of the most capable gran turismos of the postwar period.
\nIntroduced at the 1955 Brussels Motor Show, the B24 Spider America represented the ultimate expression of the Aurelia line. Built upon the fourth-series B20 GT chassis, the Spider America featured a 2.5-liter V-6 engine, De Dion rear axle, and floor-mounted gearshift. With performance approaching 115 mph, the B24 ranked among the finest open sports cars of its day.
\nAs its name implies, the Spider America was conceived with the lucrative US market in mind, where demand for stylish European sports cars was rapidly growing.
\nEqually impressive was the Spider America’s breathtaking coachwork by Carrozzeria Pinin Farina. Its low, flowing lines, cut-down doors, split bumpers, and dramatic wraparound windscreen combined Italian elegance with subtle American influence. True to its sporting purpose, it featured lightweight side curtains and a simple folding top. Just 240 examples were built before the model evolved into the more conventional B24 Convertible, and only 181 Spiders were completed in left-hand-drive B24S configuration, making the Spider America among the rarest and most coveted postwar Lancias.
\nThis Spider America, chassis 1044, was first finished in gray with a red leather interior, and likely entered the US via Max Hoffman’s New York dealership; its second owner, Victor Ricci, was a local resident. A few years later, 1044 passed to Eunice Griffith of Illinois, who notably retained ownership of the Lancia for more than 30 years. It was not until 1995 that the Spider changed hands again, when it was acquired by the beloved automotive historian, noted raconteur, and bon vivant Raymond Milo of Los Angeles. Often trading important cars, Raymond soon sold the Lancia to Luciano Bartolero of Torino, Italy. Over three years, the Spider was mechanically and cosmetically restored at his own facility. It was during this photo-documented restoration that the car was refinished in its current period-correct color combination of light blue over a navy blue leather interior.
\nAt the conclusion of the restoration, Mr. Bartolero sold the car to fellow countryman Terenzio Longoni of Milan. Following a similar term of ownership, the Lancia was sold once again, returning to the US under the ownership of the admired Southern California collector Bruce Milner. As a condition of the purchase, Mr. Milner asked that Mr. Longoni source and install a rare Nardi dual carburetor performance kit along with a proper set of Borrani wire wheels. The sparkling Aurelia remained in Mr. Milner’s eclectic collection for nearly 15 years, looking every bit the star that it is, with its sleek, matching hardtop fitted, and seeing occasional outings, including an appearance at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®.
\nTwo additional, highly regarded collectors had charge of the Spider America over the ensuing years before it came to the consignor. In his care, standard Aurelia wheels have been refitted, with the Borranis now in reserve and accompanying the sale. In 2026, the Lancia participated in the Colorado Grand, and the consignor opined after the completion of the run that the Nardi upgrades were working well, as the car made good power throughout the trip.
\nAccompanied by an English-language manual, the original steering wheel, and a tool kit, this outstanding, event-proven B24S Spider America remains as beguiling as it was when it first debuted over 70 years ago. Franco Martinengo, lead designer of the Spider America, once observed, “When you see a B24, it is not enough to look at it; you would like to touch it.” Few automobiles better embody the artistry, engineering sophistication, and enduring glamour of postwar Italian design.
"}},"exhibitionHighlights":["Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, 2005"],"raceHighlights":null,"provenance":["First Owner, US (acquired new circa 1955)","Victor Ricci, New York City, New York (acquired circa late 1950s)","Eunice Griffith, Illinois (acquired by 1963)","Raymond Milo, Los Angeles, California (acquired from the above in 1995)","Luciano Bartolero, Torino, Italy (acquired from the above circa 1995)","Terenzio Longoni, Milan, Italy (acquired from the above in 1998)","Bruce Milner, Los Angeles, California (acquired from the above via Keith Duly in 2001)","Private Collection, England (acquired from the above in 2015)","Tony Owen, Los Angeles, California (acquired from the above in 2022)","Current Owner (acquired from the above)"],"featuredMedia":null,"videoUrl":null,"videoLocation":null},"sraNote":null,"privateSalesPrice":null},"contentfulPrivateSaleListing":null,"allContentfulSponsor":{"nodes":[]}},"pageContext":{"id":"6xhuJgka9gO3rsBaSYTppk","prev":"1973-maserati-bora-49-rn26","next":"2027-mercedes-maybach-s-680","isArchived":false}},"staticQueryHashes":["1232715398","1367687668","2137735939","3669514401","4217005422","63159454"]}