The Lancia Aurelia B53 Balbo designed by Franco Scaglione

Vehicle Overview

The Lancia Aurelia B53 Balbo stands as a rare testament to the ingenuity of both its creator, Franco Scaglione, and the Italian coachbuilding tradition. Crafted on a Lancia B53 chassis B53-1016, this one-off specimen embodies Scaglione’s early design prowess before his iconic collaboration with Bertone. A striking feature of the Aurelia B53 Balbo is its unmistakable silhouette, bearing Scaglione’s signature tail fins reminiscent of the future Alfa Romeo BAT series. Adorned in a captivating blue-gray two-tone paint job, the car exudes elegance, with Lancia’s iconic front shield extending to the headlights, embellished with chrome accents. Despite its compact appearance, the aerodynamic body conceals a wealth of mechanical prowess. Following a meticulous restoration, the Aurelia B53 Balbo has emerged from obscurity, reclaiming its original splendor. The restoration process was arduous, owing to the scarcity of documentation and the myriad challenges encountered. Yet, through painstaking effort, the car now gleams as a testament to Scaglione’s visionary design. The origins of the Aurelia B53 Balbo trace back to 1952 when Lancia entrusted Carrozzeria Balbo with the execution of Scaglione’s early design. Utilizing floorpan and mechanical parts from the B21 sedan, the car underwent a transformation under Scaglione’s creative direction. It is believed that the inspiration for this masterpiece struck Scaglione while crafting the lines of the rear top of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint. Probably a second speciment was built. Mechanically, the Aurelia B53 Balbo shares its underpinnings with the B21 sedan, albeit with modifications such as Nardi changes to suction manifolds. This blend of mechanical sophistication and artistic flair encapsulates the essence of Italian automotive craftsmanship. In essence, the Lancia Aurelia B53 Balbo stands as a testament to innovation, blending Scaglione’s visionary design language with Lancia’s engineering prowess. As a rare gem in automotive history, it serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of creativity and craftsmanship woven by the Italian automotive industry.