While their current offerings are a bit underwhelming and not much more than rebadged Fiats and Chryslers, as enthusiasts, we must never forget that Lancia was a revolutionary marque right from the start. Known for their engineering prowess, they brought innovations such as the five speed gearbox and independent suspension to market and were the first with a series production V6 engine. In 1950, Lancia replaced their Aprilla sedan with the Aurelia, brainchild of famed engineer Vittorio Jano. As a precursor to Lancia's string of rally championships, the Aurelia had successful outings in the Mille Miglia and took home a 1-2-3 finish at the Targa Florio in 1952. Lancia went one step further and in a desire to create an all out sports car, developed a Spyder version in conjunction with Pininfarina. These were gorgeous machines, with flowing lines and delicate quarter bumpers. Designed with the American market in mind, only 240 of these Spyders were ever produced, making them extremely rare and desirable. Later, a convertible version of the Aurelia was released after Spyder production ended in 1955. This new open top version shared no panels with the Spyder it replaced, and 521 were produced until 1959. This cabriolet for sale in The Netherlands has undergone a restoration and is simply stunning in gray over dark red leather.

1957 Lancia Aurelia B24 Cabriolet

Superbly restored and very elegant Lancia Aurelia B24S Cabriolet. Finished in beautiful dark grey metallic with dark red leather interior and black hood. This lovely example was comprehensively restored by Aurelia specialist Clerici in Italy. It has participated in the 2006 edition of the famous Mille Miglia. These rare convertible are excellent event cars or very enjoyable for a weekend out. A welcome addition to any collection! EEC registration. FIVA passport.

As of late, Aurelia Spyders are changing hands in the $400,000 to $500,000 range at auction, and this restored example is probably no exception. While the Corvette was just making a name for itself in America and some circles in Europe, it is interesting to look back at its contemporary from Italy to see how similar, yet different, the concept of a sports car across cultures can be.

-Paul