Highlights

One-off Michelotti design for Bertone based on bespoke Lancia B52
Only 98 LWB B52 chassis produced by Lancia for use by specialist coachbuilders
Never restored and with highly original paintwork and interior in superb condition
Matching numbers car and reported 3,700km from new
Exhibited at the 1951 Turin Motor Show on the Bertone stand
Displayed at the Museo dell'Automobile di Torino in both 2020 and 2021
Featured at Concours d'Élégance in Chaudfontaine, Belgium, circa 1953

The Appeal

Any Aurelia is a treat because, after all, these are amongst the most innovative and advanced cars of their era. They introduced the first production V6 and are blessed with near-perfect weight distribution thanks to the transaxle layout. Overnight, Vincenzo’s stylish saloon made more esoteric Italian machinery seem outdated, going on to outclass them in events like the Targa Florio, Millie Miglia and Monte Carlo Rally.

With all those accolades, you would imagine Lancia might rest on its laurels. But no, it created a longer wheelbase 291cm version, initially on the B50 and then the B52 chassis, to enable Italian coachbuilders to concoct bespoke versions that would further dial up the model’s appeal. Just 98 of these cars were built on the B52 underpinnings, equipped with the revolutionary 2L V6 engine, and featuring the chassis number B52-1074. This beautiful car is one of them.

It was penned by Giovanni Michelotti for Bertone in 1951 and then exhibited that year at the Turin Motor Show on the carozzeria’s stand. It is the only one ever built. Over the subsequent 73 years, it has led a remarkable life that has somehow kept the mileage down to 3,700km and the paintwork, interior and mechanicals original. That they are also beautifully preserved, as you can see in the photos, is surely close to miraculous.

The car’s historical significance explains why it was chosen for display at the Museo dell'Automobile di Torino in both 2020 and 2021. For an unrestored car, the condition is truly impressive. This is a very special opportunity for enthusiasts of Vincenzo Lancia’s firm or just those who love great, historically significant cars.

History and Paperwork

Designed by Giovanni Michelotti and built in 1951 by Bertone
Chassis number B52-1074 and engine number B21-4542
Exhibited at the 1951 Turin Motor Show on the Carrozzeria Bertone stand
Period photographs from a Concours d'Élégance in Chaudfontaine, Liège, Belgium, circa 1953
Discovered in Belgium with odometer reportedly showed 2,756 km
Now showing 3,700km
Displayed at Museo dell'Automobile di Torino in 2020 for "Aurelia 1950–2020: Timeless Myth" exhibition
Displayed at Museo dell'Automobile di Torino in 2021 for "Michelotti World, 100 years of a limitless designer" exhibition
Various photographs of the car in period as shown

The Condition

Vendor states car has never been restored and remains in original, unmolested state
B52 chassis (no. B52.1074) with a 291 cm wheelbase
Reported to retain its original black paintwork
Original CEAT whitewall tyres fitted
Tan interior reported to be entirely original, including amber dashboard buttons
Approximately 3,700 kilometres indicated on the odometer

Working through the photos of this beautiful one-off Bertone creation, it’s perhaps easy to see why its previous keepers have only covered 3,700kms in its 73 years. We suspect they were too busy admiring it, because whether you’re looking outside or in, it is a treat for the eyes.

The Michelotti design is simple yet elegant, while the interior features a beautiful array of details that reward repeat viewing.

The condition is so good that it suggests that the car has been restored. We’re reassured that it hasn’t and that the quality is the result of the sparing use and careful storage. Even the CEAT whitewalls are said to be original.

The Mechanics

2.0-litre V6 engine (B20/B21 series), engine no. B21 4.542
4spd manual gearbox with transaxle layout
The vendor reports the car drives as expected of a barely run-in example
No recent service or maintenance history has been detailed
Vendor describes the car as driving ‘like new’

Despite the distractions of the car’s aesthetics, it’s hard to imagine how the previous keepers managed to resist getting behind the wheel. The B52 got Lancia’s in-house V6, the world’s first, and the clever transaxle layout that provided near perfect 50:50 weight distribution. As the Aurelia’s giant-slaying prowess on various top-end competition events proved, it was a seriously capable car.

The provenance of this 1951 car is impeccable. We’re told it is a matching numbers car that is highly original and has never been restored. While we can’t warrant the displayed mileage, the vendor is confident that it is correct. The car is said to run and drive ‘like new’ - you can see it in action in our photos.

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