1952 Lancia Aurelia B53 Giardinetta (Viotti coachwork)
- Engine
- V6 with four-speed transaxle (displacement unspecified)
- Colour
- Dark metallic green ('Verde Scuro Metallizzato')
A rare survivor from a production run believed to number fewer than 50 units, this 1952 Lancia Aurelia B53 Giardinetta wears coachwork by Carrozzeria Viotti of Turin, styled by Giovanni Michelotti. One of only two known surviving examples on the B53 chassis, it spent time at a Sardinian convent before rescue from dereliction and a thorough restoration completed by 1990. It entered the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance under Oscar Davis's ownership, winning first in its class.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$390,000
- → 2008Private saleItalian enthusiastpartial documentation
Commissioned or oversaw the thorough restoration, which included period-correct chevron upholstery and Verde Scuro Metallizzato paintwork; sold the car in 2008.
- 2008 →Private saleOscar Davispartial documentation
Acquired the Lancia in excellent post-restoration condition and entered it in the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours; the car is offered from his collection with vintage roof-rack accessories.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownConvent in southern Sardiniapartial documentation
The vehicle was donated to a religious institution in southern Sardinia and used as a utility vehicle for transporting supplies until it fell into serious disrepair by the late 1980s.
- Date unknownPrivate saleItalian restorerpartial documentation
Rescued the car from near-total deterioration and undertook an extensive, high-cost refurbishment completed by spring 1990, using the only other known surviving example as a reference.
Competition
- 20082008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance1st in Lancia post-war class
Entered shortly after acquisition by Davis; the car's restoration quality was recognised with a class victory.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1990Restoration
Comprehensive refurbishment undertaken at considerable cost, including faithful recreation of the original chevron-patterned cabin upholstery and application of Verde Scuro Metallizzato paintwork; the second surviving example served as a reference. The original numbers-matching engine was retained throughout.
Work was concluded by spring 1990; the sole other surviving Aurelia B53 Giardinetta was consulted to ensure accuracy.
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