As the first new car revealed by Lancia in the post-war period, the technical attributes of the Aurelia led many to believe that the Italian manufacturer was on its way back to its best when the B10 “berlina” made its debut at the 1950 Turin Motor Show. The Aurelia claimed Lancia an industry-first with the earliest known mass-production V-6 engine, while the car also featured a transaxle gearbox, and inboard rear brakes. To follow the earliest saloon and coupé models, Lancia unveiled an open two-seater—dubbed the B24 Spider America—arguably the most memorable and desirable of the series. The Spider was charming and quintessentially Italian, notably thanks to its 2,451 mm wheelbase, some 210 mm shorter than that of the main model that was already regarded as compact.

It is undeniable that the timeless styling of the B24 Spider America has aged exceptionally well. Its wraparound windscreen, side curtains, and lack of external door latches combine for what some consider to be one of Pinin Farina’s finest designs, and made the car both sporting and luxurious. Only 240 Spider Americas were built, while it is believed that only 59 models left the Lancia works in right-hand drive.

According to the Lancia certificate of origin, chassis number B24-1057 was completed by the factory in July 1955, one of three right-hand-drive cars originally finished in Nero. Documents on file show that B24-1057 was registered in the UK for the first time in August 1955. A registration document dated 1960 shows the car’s colour had been changed to red, which it would then wear for many years, and this document also notes the installation of a replacement B24 engine. The same UK logbook reveals a series of registered owners in the 1960s and 1970s, until it was acquired by Mr Brian Collins, who kept the car from 1977 until it was acquired by its most recent owner in 1986. Mr Collins, a well-known Lancia enthusiast and noted restorer, rebuilt the car; following this the car was extensively featured by Supercar Classics in the Winter 1985 edition. Copies of the magazine feature are included in the car’s history file.

In the mid-2000s, after the current, long-term custodian had owned the car for around 20 years, the car is pictured undergoing restoration work. The beautiful Pinin Farina coachwork was stripped down to bare metal and repaired where necessary, before being returned to its original black. At the same time, the interior was retrimmed in the pastel-shade turquoise it is seen in today. A “Fontana”-style hardtop was carefully constructed, with reference to original period photographs kindly supplied by Francesco Gandolfi. The hardtop was then painted to match the coachwork, allowing the car to be driven with confidence in all weathers. The Fontana hardtop has become a highly desirable accessory, being seen to only further enhance the beauty of Pinin Farina’s original B24 Spider aesthetic.

Between November 2021 and February 2022, chassis B24-1057 was entrusted to Lancia specialist Omicron Engineering for an engine rebuild plus other works. As is documented by the invoices on file, more than £27,000 was spent and the work included new pistons, liners, valves and camshaft, as well as a new clutch, and overhaul of the braking system.

A resplendent example of one of Lancia’s most desirable open-top sports cars from the era of “La Dolce Vita”, this particular example benefits from long-term ownership, a healthy history file, and the most desirable of colour combinations. A truly beautiful creation, representing a wonderful era of motoring, this Lancia B24 would be a welcome addition to the Mille Miglia retrospective, on the lawn at the most prestigious concours d'elegance, or outside your favourite café on the Riviera.