1952 Lancia Aurelia B52 Vignale Coupé (Michelotti design)
- Engine
- Modified unit with twin-carburetor intake manifold, special camshaft and pistons (Nardi conversion)
A Lancia Aurelia B52 completed in March 1952 and bodied by Vignale to a Michelotti design, chassis 1015 is distinguished by horizontal wing vents, raked fins, and an egg-crate grille treatment shared with only one other known B52. The car is believed to have belonged to actress Gina Lollobrigida and may have appeared in the 1953 film La Provinciale. After decades in French storage as part of a noted sleeping-beauties collection, it was comprehensively restored in 2004–2005 with a period-correct Nardi conversion and has since earned multiple concours awards including two Best of Show honours.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate €325,000 – €375,000
- 1989 →Acquisition unknownPrivate museum in Sarlatpartial documentation
Around two dozen vehicles from the Dovaz collection, including this Lancia, were transferred to a private museum in Sarlat, where they stayed until the collection was eventually broken up.
- 2002 → 2004Private salePaul V.J. Kootfull documentation
Purchased the car in unrestored condition; the transaction is documented in a published book on the collection. Commissioned a full restoration beginning around 2004.
- 2006-07-01 → 2013-04-01Private saleNorbert Heijkepartial documentation
Received the car after restoration completion and exhibited it at several prestigious concours events, winning multiple awards during this period.
- 2013 →Acquisition unknownIntermediate owner 1 of 2none documentation
One of two unidentified successive owners between Heijke and the consignor.
- → 2015Acquisition unknownIntermediate owner 2 of 2none documentation
Second of two unidentified owners preceding the consignor.
- 2015 →Private saleCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Exhibited the car at a major motor show in late 2018, where it again received a top award.
- Date unknownPrivate saleGiorgio Schonpartial documentation
Acquired the Lancia models when the Sarlat museum collection was dispersed.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownGina Lollobrigidapartial documentation
Believed to have owned the car shortly after its completion; sent a signed photograph to the coachbuilder in mid-1953. Ownership is attributed but not fully confirmed.
- Date unknownPrivate saleMr. Dovazpartial documentation
A young Parisian who acquired the car in Geneva and quietly built a collection of notable automobiles. The car was kept on a farm in Villemarchal from 1964 to 1983, then relocated to a friend's chateau in Bagat-en-Quercy.
Competition
- 20062006 Concours d'Elegance Paleis Het LooAward recipient
Car was exhibited and received a concours award shortly after restoration, while in Heijke's ownership.
- 20122012 Classic Days Schloss DyckAward recipient
Shown during Heijke's ownership period and recognized with a prize.
- 20122012 Essen Motor ShowBest of Show – Coupé
Honored with the top award in the coupé category while still owned by Heijke.
- 2018-12-012018 Essen Motor ShowBest of Show
Exhibited by the consignor and again awarded the top distinction at the event.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2004RestorationCarrozzeria Granturismo Milano
A thorough, ground-up restoration carried out over roughly two years, bringing the car back to a high standard after decades in storage.
Completed by 2005; original wheels were refurbished and retained alongside the new Borrani wire wheels fitted during this work.
- 2004ModificationCarrozzeria Granturismo Milano
A period-appropriate Nardi conversion was installed, comprising a twin-carburettor intake manifold, uprated camshaft, and revised pistons; a bonnet scoop was added to clear the revised induction system.
All components used were available as catalogue items in the original period. Borrani wire wheels were also fitted at this time.
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