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Exploring the production timeline of the Lancia Aurelia GT

14 June, 2015

 

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“Between 1951 and 1958, Lancia produced six recognizable series of the Aurelia B20 GT”

1951

Aurelia B20 GT S1. The first Lancia to carry the Aurelia name was the B10 saloon, a replacement for the Aprilia. Powered by an all-alloy 1754cc V6 engine, the B10 debuted in 1950. The two-door B20 GT appeared the following year, powered by a 1991cc, 56kW version of the B10’s V6. Production: 500

1952

Aurelia B20 GT S2. With its 1991cc V6 now producing 60kW due to a higher engine compression ratio and revised valves, the S2 GT also featured improved brakes, new chromed bumpers, and a revised dashboard. Production: 731

1953

Aurelia B20 GT S3. The V6 was now enlarged to 2451cc, while outwardly the vestigial tail fins that featured on the earlier cars disappeared, and a larger rear window was fitted. Production: 720     

1954–’55

Aurelia B20 GT S4. A new de Dion rear suspension was introduced, and the car was now available in left-hand drive for the first time — the B20S (‘S’ for sinistra, or left). Although an Italian-built car, until then most Aurelia GTs were right-hand drive. This also applied to many contemporary Maserati and Ferrari cars, and is generally believed to have something to do with most racing circuits being taken clockwise. The V6 engine was now fitted with more modern Vandervell engine bearings. For the first time, an open version of the GT became available — the B24 Spider (1954–’55). Production: 745 (B20) / 255 (B20S)

1956

Aurelia B20 GT S5. A new split-case transaxle was  fitted along with a revised driveshaft with rubber-doughnut–type universal joints and larger drum brakes. Lowered compression and a softer camshaft saw power reduced to 82kW as the car gained a more luxurious character. The B24 Spider was replaced with the B24 convertible. Production: 119 (B20) / 180 (B20S)

1957–’58

Aurelia B20 GT S6. The V6 engine now produced 84kW, plus more torque to offset increased overall weight. Vent windows were fitted along with a chromed strip down the bonnet. The fuel tank was relocated from behind the seats to the boot on later S6 cars. Production: 196 (B20) / 425 (B20S)

Total Aurelia GT production: 3871

Luxury by design

15 January, 2026

How do you define luxury? To some it is being blinded with all manner of technological wizardry, from massaging heated seats to being able to activate everything with your voice, be it the driver’s side window or the next track on Spotify. To others, the most exorbitant price tag will dictate how luxurious a car is.
For me, true automotive luxury comes from being transported in unparalleled comfort, refinement, and smoothness of power under complete control. Forget millions of technological toys; if one can be transported here and there without the sensation of moving at all, that is luxury — something that is perfectly encapsulated by the original Lexus LS400. It was the first truly global luxury car from Toyota, and one that made the big luxury brands take notice.

NZ Classic Car magazine, January/February 2026 issue 403, on sale now

15 December, 2025

Morris’ ground-breaking, world-beating, Minor
It was Britain’s biggest small car, and it got Britain mobile again.       Morris Motors celebrated its millionth Minor in December 1960, a car that defined the British motor industry, and was in production for 10 years alongside the iconic Mini of 1959.
Whakatane dentist John Twaddle has a passion for Morris Minors going back to 1982, and he still has his first example. There are now three ‘Morries’ in his garage. One, however, is quite special, a rare ‘Minor-Million’. 
One of just 350 made commemorating the millionth Morris Minor produced, the first British car to hit a million units, the well-rounded little Brit’ would end production in 1971with a tally of over 1.6 million units.
John finished his Minor Million six years ago, resplendent in lilac, its official factory colour. He calls it his ‘Minor Resurrection’, and it has won numerous awards.
This summer edition also comes with our annual FREE classic car calendar, a must for every garage wall.
Every issue comes with our FREE huge wall poster; this issue, our poster is of a couple of garage mates, a 1957 Ford Ranchero and a 1968 Lincoln Continental.