As the first Lancia to be completely developed after World War II, the Aurelia needed to be something brand-new—and brand-new it certainly was. Beginning with the gorgeously engineered B10 in 1950 and ending with the stylishly sophisticated B24 convertible in 1958, the most stunning aspect of the new Aurelia was the inclusion of the first production V-6 engine. Lancia engineers were constantly improving upon the formula, with a new Aurelia iteration released nearly every year and constant improvements appearing on each subsequent model. Generally speaking, each successive version of the Aurelia produced during the eight-plus-year run provided more performance and sportier styling than the last.

The fourth-series Aurelia, introduced in 1954, saw a more thorough restyling than years previous while also introducing left-hand drive production; from 1954 through 1958, all left-hand examples would be dubbed “S” (for sinistra), an effort to clearly denote their export-market specification.

The 1955 B24 Spider America was a US-market exclusive which was, in turn, succeeded by the B24S convertible in 1956. Lancia enthusiasts largely consider the convertible to be more elegant and more all-around practical than the earlier spider, in part because it can be comfortably driven in inclement weather. A one-piece chrome bumper replaced the split bumper, and the car was given roll-up windows and larger doors with handles. Only 521 B24S convertibles were made, and they remain highly desirable today.

Now offered from the collection of Raymond Boniface, this B24S convertible is a “sixth series” Aurelia—number 319 of the 521 built—and was completed on 4 February 1958. Presented in Avorio over a Pelle Rossa interior, this Lancia is believed to wear its largely original exterior finish and upholstery. The Weber-carbureted 2.5-liter overhead-valve V-6 engine provides a factory-rated 118 hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed transaxle. Though a later exhaust system and period-correct transaxle have replaced the factory units, production information obtained by Dr. Boniface from Italian archives following his purchase indicates that this B24S remains an otherwise highly original example throughout. A set of period-correct ten-hole 15-inch wheels are presently shod with newer Michelin X radial tires.

Acquired by Dr. Boniface in 1976 and thoroughly enjoyed for many years, this Lancia was notably the recipient of the Lion Award at the 2016 Concours d’Elegance of America in Plymouth, Michigan. This wonderful B24S convertible is now offered with a set of period-correct Lancia tools, a very rare factory removable hardtop, spare wheel, Riganti jack, and Dr. Boniface’s personal addition to this Lancia’s kit: a 1963 U.S. Army collapsible trench shovel mounted in the trunk and a dustbin, pan, and brush conveniently affixed to the passenger footwell.