Lancia Aurelia B20 GT: The Italian Classic That Defined the Grand Tourer
September 15, 2026 · Oldygoldy
Before “GT” became a marketing label placed on almost every type of automobile, the Lancia Aurelia B20 GT helped define what a true grand touring car should be.
Introduced in 1951, the B20 combined compact dimensions, aerodynamic coachwork, sophisticated suspension and Lancia’s pioneering V6 engine.
The Aurelia family is particularly important because its engine is recognized as the first production V6 automobile engine. Lancia engineer Francesco De Virgilio developed the compact V6 configuration, while the early B20 used a 2.0-liter version producing around 75 horsepower.
That figure may appear modest today, but raw power was only part of the B20’s appeal. The car was relatively light and designed to maintain speed over long distances, exactly the quality expected from a proper gran turismo.
It also demonstrated its abilities in competition, giving the elegant coupé serious sporting credibility.
Why is the Aurelia B20 GT historically important?
Because it helped establish the formula later used by countless European GT cars: comfortable enough for long-distance driving, elegant enough for sophisticated owners and capable enough to enjoy on demanding roads.
Modern grand tourers owe more to cars such as the Aurelia than their styling alone might suggest.
