Michael Satterfield
by Michael Satterfield – 02/01/2022
If you have been looking for that perfect unique sports car for the Mille Miglia, Colorado Grand, or California Mille, this 1955 Lancia Aurelia Spider America is the perfect fit. One of just 181 produced in left-hand drive and equipped with the rare Fontana low-roof hardtop, this Pinin Farina-built Barchetta will stand out in a crowd of much more recognizable marquees.
First unveiled at the 1955 Brussels Motor Show, the Aurelia was powered by the world’s first production aluminum V6, the Lancia was ahead of its time featuring other advances like independent suspension and inboard rear brakes. This car Chassis no. 1044 was sold through New York City importer Hoffman Motorcars to an unknown first owner who kept the car until 1963 when the Spider was purchased by Eunice Griffth of Illinois who would keep the car until 1995. The car would make its way to well-known Los Angeles car dealer Raymon Milo. Milo would sell the Aurelia to Luciano Bertolero of Turin, Italy who would have the car fully restored in its home country. The car would make its way back to California where it would show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It would make its way through the hands of a few more notable collectors before finally being offered for sale by RM Sothebys at their 2022 Arizona Auction, where it sold for $940,000.
Images by Peter Seabrook, Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
