1952 Lancia Aurelia B52 PF200 C (Pinin Farina)
- Engine
- 2.0L DOHC V6 with dual Weber carburetors, approx. 90 bhp
- Colour
- Deep maroon
Chassis B52 1052 is the second of three open-top examples of the Pinin Farina PF200, a short run of jet-age concept cars built on the Lancia Aurelia B52 platform in the early 1950s. Uniquely badged 'pf200 C', it was exhibited at Geneva and Turin in 1953 and won a Grand Prize at the Stresa International Concours d'Elegance. Later exported to the United States, the car underwent a decade-long, meticulous restoration completed in 2013, after which it won class honours at several prestigious concours including Villa d'Este 2015.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$1,248,500
- 1953 →Acquisition unknownPrivate owner in Milanpartial documentation
Presence of Milan registration plates suggests a private buyer took the car after its concours appearance in late 1953.
- → 1968Acquisition unknownFriend of William Borruschpartial documentation
This person was acquainted with William Borrusch and sold the car to him in 1968; no further details given.
- 1968 →Private saleWilliam Borruschpartial documentation
American automotive engineer based in Michigan who later relocated to Florida in 1996; initiated a thorough restoration with specialist Tom Palisi around the late 1990s, completed circa 2013.
- Date unknownPrivate saleOrin Smithpartial documentation
Acquired the car from William Borrusch following completion of the restoration; made selective improvements including fitting a new glass windshield and obtained a FIVA Passport.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCalifornia-based enthusiastpartial documentation
The car had been imported to the US by the 1960s and was held by an unidentified collector in California before passing to a friend of William Borrusch.
Competition
- 19521952 Turin Motor Show
This was the public debut of the PF200 concept, where Pinin Farina presented the prototype alongside a redesigned Nash-Healey.
- 19531953 Turin Motor Show
The car appeared again the month after the Geneva showing, with minor updates visible between appearances.
- 1953-03-011953 Geneva Salon
Chassis B52 1052 made its exhibition debut here, shown as a slightly more ornate successor to the original prototype.
- 1953-09-011953 Stresa International Concours d'EleganceGrand Prize Honor
A commemorative dashboard placard marking this award has remained on the car ever since.
- 2013-06-012013 Concours d'Elegance of America at St. JohnsFirst in Class; The Art that Moves Us Award
This was the car's first major concours appearance following the completion of its decade-long restoration.
- 2014-03-012014 Amelia Island Concours d'EleganceClass award
- 20152015 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'EsteClass Winner — Hollywood by the Lake class
Entry was facilitated by the car's newly obtained FIVA Passport.
- 20162016 Boca Raton Concours d'EleganceBest Open Pre-War Car; People's Choice
Maintenance & restoration
- 1999RestorationTom Palisi, Tarpon Springs Florida; Luciano Sanzogni, Sarasota Florida (axle and transaxle); Rudy Bailey, Tampa Florida (interior)
Full nut-and-bolt restoration initiated by William Borrusch shortly after relocating to Florida. The body was chemically stripped and areas of minor corrosion repaired and re-fabricated, then refinished in maroon. The front axle and transaxle were rebuilt by a former Lancia apprentice, and the brakes, suspension, and wiring were all overhauled. A replacement Aurelia engine sourced from another PF200 was fully rebuilt with new pistons, rings, liners, and ancillaries including correct shorter carburettors and an offset air filter. Custom trim pieces were fabricated to replace unobtainable originals, the exhaust was re-routed to newly chromed outlets, and the windscreen, hood, and side curtains were reconstructed from original components. The interior was retrimmed and fitted with NOS trunk mats and a restored period radio.
Work took approximately ten years and was completed in early 2013. Engine sourced with assistance from Walt Spak; correct parts sourced with input from Mike Kristick and Walt Spak.
- 2013Maintenance
New glass windshield installed as a selective improvement following acquisition by subsequent owner.
Carried out after the main restoration was complete.
- 2015Inspection
FIVA Passport obtained, certifying the vehicle's historical identity and eligibility for international historic events.
Prerequisite for acceptance to the Villa d'Este concours.
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