Classic Icon - The allure of classic racing cars stems not only from their striking
designs but also from the stories of innovation and competition they
carry. During the 1950s, motorsport flourished, with manufacturers and private teams fielding cars that captured the imagination of fans. Among these, Lancia's contributions stood out, particularly with their open-top sports cars, often referred to as barchettas. These sleek and aerodynamic vehicles became synonymous with the golden
age of motorsport, showcasing a perfect blend of performance, elegance,
and innovation.
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1954 Lancia 'Aurelia' Barchetta by Conrero is sat on display at the 36th Annual Auto e Moto d’Epoca in Padova, Italy on October, 2019. (Picture from: VeloceToday)
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Each barchetta was meticulously crafted, embodying not only the technical prowess of
Lancia’s engineers but also the artistic vision of Italy’s finest coachbuilders. Despite their limited production numbers, these cars left an indelible mark on racing history, capturing the imagination of fans and solidifying
Lancia’s reputation as a pioneer in automotive design and performance during a highly competitive era.
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| The Lancia 'Aurelia' Barchetta by Conrero is uses a V6, 2,500cc engine which is capable of bursting up to 118 horsepower. (Picture from: CollectorCarAds) |
One notable model was the Lancia B20 Aurelia Barchetta, a car steeped in both mystery and history. Created as part of Lancia's ambitious racing program in the early 1950s, it debuted with a limited production run. Four units were built specifically for the 1953 Mille Miglia, showcasing exceptional performance during the event. Commissioned by Virgilio Conrero for his racing team, the car featured bodywork crafted by Stabilimenti Industriali Giovanni Farina of Turin, a coachbuilder renowned for its expertise.
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| 1954 Lancia 'Aurelia' Barchetta by Conrero has a lightweight body due to it completely made of an aluminium and done by Stabilimenti Industriali Giovanni Farina of Turin. (Picture from: FineCars.cc) |
The B20 Aurelia Barchetta gained further distinction through its engineering. Powered by a 2,500cc V6 engine, it delivered up to 118 horsepower. The lightweight aluminum body contributed to its agility and speed, making it a formidable contender on the track. One such car, identified by chassis number B20-3076 and engine number B20-2726, has been meticulously restored and resides in Germany. Finished in a vivid red, it remains a testament to Lancia's craftsmanship.
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| The Lancia 'Aurelia' Barchetta by Conrero raced at the 1954 Coppa d´oro delle Dolomiti and is drove by Cormons Ferri then finished in 28th position. (Picture from: CollectorCarAds) |
This particular car competed in the 1954 Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti, driven by Cormons Ferri. Over the challenging course, it completed the race in 3 hours, 53 minutes, and 14 seconds, achieving an average speed of 78.153 kph. Though it finished in 28th place, its participation underscored the resilience and capability of Lancia's design philosophy. Additionally, the car is believed to have taken part in the legendary Mille Miglia during its competitive career.
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| This is 1951 Lancia B20 'Aurelia' Barchetta is known to be at an auto dealer in Sint-Truiden, Belgium. (Picture from: Hemmings) |
Interestingly, another Lancia barchetta is housed at a dealer in Sint-Truiden, Belgium. This silver-colored unit, originally built in 1951, underwent a transformation in the late 1960s, with its body being reimagined by ATL, an Italian coachbuilder. The car's smooth lines reflect a blend of its original heritage and modern craftsmanship, adding yet another chapter to the Lancia barchetta legacy.
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| The Lancia B20 'Aurelia' Barchetta has a very smooth silver-colored body and said made in 1951 but was rebodied by Italian coachbuilder ATL in the late 1960's. (Picture from: Hemmings) |
Lancia's racing efforts also extended to models like the D23 Spyder, which shared similar design cues with the barchetta. Built by Pininfarina in 1953, this car also competed in the 1953 Mille Miglia, cementing Lancia's reputation in endurance racing.
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| The Lancia D23 Spyder by Pininfarina ever had raced at the 1953 Mille Miglia. (Picture from: Pinterest) |
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These rare vehicles, steeped in history, continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike. Each car represents a unique piece of Lancia's legacy, combining innovative engineering, elegant design, and the excitement of motorsport. Their survival today serves as a reminder of an era when racing was as much about passion as it was about performance. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FINECARS.CC | AUTOEVOLUTION | COLLECTORCARADS.COM | VELOCETODAY.COM | WIKIPEDIA | CLASSICMOTO.RS | HEMMINGS | VIVA-LANCIA.COM | LANCIA.MYZEN.CO.UK]
