The Lancia Aurelia Chassis Register (In progress)
We are trying to create a register of all Lancia Aurelia series B50, B51, B52, B53 and B55+B56 chassis.
The Lancia Aurelia B52 Vignale chassis B52-1054 designed by Giovanni Michelotti.
The Lancia Aurelia B52-1054 by Vignale represents a milestone in automotive design, combining Lancia’s innovative engineering with the creative genius of Carrozzeria Vignale and designer Giovanni Michelotti. Introduced in 1952 as part of Lancia’s strategy to offer chassis for custom coachwork, the B52 platform extended the wheelbase to 2,860 millimeters and featured a powerful 2.0-liter V6 engine. Carrozzeria Vignale, renowned for its collaboration with Lancia, crafted the body for chassis number B52-1054 according to Michelotti’s design. The roofline and cabin design bear resemblance to Michelotti’s earlier work on the Aurelia B50 “Ginevra” characterized by a harmonious and visually light appearance accentuated by a contrasting silver roof. The front end of the Aurelia B52-1054 exhibits an international flair, featuring a distinctive central roundel and split-grille treatment reminiscent of Studebaker’s designs from the early 1950s. However, instead of chrome embellishments, a central driving light takes center stage, adding a unique touch to the grille’s aesthetic. The taillights are equally noteworthy, with cylindrical insets that complement the articulated indicators positioned above the bumpers, a styling cue reminiscent of early Vignale-bodied Ferraris. Interestingly, this Vignale-bodied design was not exclusive to Lancia. It also adorned an Alfa Romeo 1900 chassis, showcasing the versatility and aesthetic appeal of Michelotti’s design language across different marques. This cross-application underscored Vignale’s prowess in creating bespoke coachwork that harmonized with the underlying chassis’ engineering while embodying distinct stylistic elements that set them apart in the automotive landscape. With only 98 examples of the Aurelia B52 produced between 1952 and 1953, chassis B52-1054 stands as a rare and coveted piece of automotive history, celebrated for its blend of technological innovation, bespoke craftsmanship, and enduring design excellence that continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.
We are trying to create a register of all Lancia Aurelia series B50, B51, B52, B53 and B55+B56 chassis.
Missing or wrong informations?
Carrozzieri-Italiani.com relies on thousend of users who help to populate the database. We do not guarantee the accuracy of the informations. Contact us if you want to contribute.