Lancia Motor Club

Hi All

No connection, but thought it would be of interest to a few of you. Looks like a few years work, but also looks like it can be rescued from the pics, but I guess as normal an inspection would tell a whole lot more...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lancia-Aurelia-B12-1955-barn-find-/110750243583?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19c93a9aff

Peter

Looks a good basis for anyone with the time and money, aircleaner doesn't look standard? Nardi?

Brian
8227 8)

The air cleaner is standard for a B12, but it is the only Aurelia that has one shaped like this.

Thanks Ade ;D

Brian

Looks possible but I would need to see what condition the sills and floor are in. Complex bodiesv - even more so than B20's in many ways. Any missing parts could be found over time in Italy i guess.
Has anyone seen the car?

I enquired of the condition:

"The bodyshell is sound, the floors are also in good shape, but it needs new sills, at least one, but i may assume that the other one will be in poor condition as well."

A very prompt and courteous response - for the right price it could well be worth a punt and the trouble to import it.

Jonathan, are you tempted? It would be a nice addition to the Fanalone!

I am always tempted Neil.......but fortunately I am learning self restraint.

So you don't need anymore cardboard cutouts ;D

Brian
8227 8)

One life size cut out figure of a racing team boss is enough for any man Brian. 

Sold for £2,650 - or about 3.5k landed in the UK.

If the base structure isn't rusty (and the photos do look quite promising) then that's very sensible money for a nice project car.  Grille for one of these isn't too hard to find (unlike B20) and seats likewise, though you'll probably have to pay for re-trimming.

Wasn't me anyway.  Hope someone on here bought it and we can hear about the restoration.

2.6k GBP (before transport) sounds cheap, but... how much would it cost to get the 'barn find' project to the condition of this B12, just sold for c. £20k?

http://www.dorotheum.com/en/auctions/auction-dates/current-auctions/kataloge/list-lots-detail/auktion/9060-classic-cars-and-automobilia/lotID/237/lot/1190181-1955-lancia-aurelia-b12s.html?img=8&cHash=0736264a094057cf620d1289704934e2

(http://www.classicdriver.com/upload/cars/11970/1833571/biga.jpg)

I know this one shown doesn't have the same Kudos as a B20GT, but what great value in comparison, I would have thought the barn find would cost more than this, which goes back to generally speaking it's better to take advantage of someone else footing the bill for a restoration ;D

Brian
8227 8)

and what became of this one i wonder?(http://)

It shrank in the wash?  :D

That looks like the Maltese mid-engined (289 V8) drag racer...  I saw the car when it was at Andrew Thorogood's garage in Acre Lane SW2 about a decade ago.  The inner structure of the car had been butchered, doors welded up, etc.  A huge number of missing parts and, at the time, a totally impractical prospect as a restoration.  Last I heard the car was in the North East with  Alan Morton, who was thinking of fitting a Flaminia or Alfa GTV6 drivetrain which struck me as a slightly sensible thing to do in the circumstances.

a larger aurelia pic(http://)

The B24 is as captioned the Brussles Motor Show car, it is now owned by Leo Van Hoorick who has restored it back to its original colours with the original wire wheel style hub caps.

Well Richard, I have to hold my hands up...mea culpa!

I had been looking for a project for a while, had partly restored a number of classics over the years, mostly Citroens.

Then caught the Italian car bug a number of years ago, part restored/re-commissioned a 1972 Alfa coupe 2 years ago then spotted this baby.

I didn't pay the price on the ebay site......:)...due to fact that the winner reneged!

As I type its being transported from Porto, Portugal, collected at 3pm today after a few delays.

I've noted to Stuart my intention to do a blow by blow blog type account on the forum as it progresses, but not starting work until next May/June. In the interim have been doing lots of research and have located a grill, plus endless sites and contacts and info from Aurelia owners in the UK, USA, France and hopefully Ireland.

If every member wants to wish me luck on this thread please do so as a few have already done so.......!!

Wonder why!

:)


P

Good Luck in the nicest possible way, I'm sure I spotted some Aurelia parts last time I was in Cavellito's, although that was in 2006!

Brian
8227 8)

Thanks Brian, most parts are about plus need a bit of patience to track them down.


P

Good luck Parisien, I'm sure you'll have a huge amount of fun, plus a bit of heartache, restoring your find. The two go together, but are all part of the joy of restoring an Aurelia.

Whereabouts are you  based ?  My B20, under restoration, is in south east Essex.

               The.Cern

Thanks the.cern, allegedly Manchester....;)......but on "vacation" in N Ireland ( see introductions section )

I  know there are a few threads on coupe restorations, is yours one of them?


P

Well, after waiting for 2 1/2 weeks for it to meander its way across Spain, then make its way to Hampshire it should have been delivered a few hours ago....but guess what the driver missed the boat....!

Not given a time but it will be today, because they have another car to take back to GB today too!

Next post will be pics of the car in the lock up, on its own thread as a restoration blog.


P

It may have missed the boat, but at least its safe and sound !!!!  I sincerely hope you are pleasantly surprised by the car, I think William was with his Spanish purchase.

I can't wait to see the photos and am really looking forward to the restoration blog. Hopefully it will be quicker and easier than mine.

Best wishes,

                  Andy

This is worse than Coronation street.....cancelled again, pm me if you want to know who NOT to use to bring a car back from Europe!

I'm changing my name to Job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


P

Frank,
I think I saw that you were after a Weber 40 DC type carb for an Aurelia. I might be able to help you.
Regards

Hi Chris, apparently the carbs are 35 PAAIs, I have no idea if changeable/upgradable at all........?!

Thanks.

P

Good luck - wonderful cars in every detail.  I only hope you have as much fun with it as I anticipate as a specator.

David

Frank,
I believe I have a Solex 35 PAAI (twin choke like the Weber) if you are stuck.
Chris

Great Chris, will let you know,

P

Another week passes.......still no B12, so one of the members off the other forum kindly offered to go around and have a looksee on my behalf, I mean was the car actually in the UK?!

Sure enough 24 hrs later on Sunday said member turned up on his doorstep unannounced....slight look of incredulity on said contractors face, car was there....phew, but uncovered on a trailer, not what I had asked for nor expected!

More semi promises of doing all he can, but may have to take the next step, if not delivered this week....on his fifth delivery date now!


P

Perhaps once you've hopefully received it in good condition, you'll name and shame them as they certainly don't deserve anyone elses business :(

Brian
8227 8)

Don't worry, the shiply site has a feedback section for each transaction...a link will be posted!


P

The saga continues, after another either or scenario.....Friday or Monday definitely promise...on Sunday night last got a text to say he has ceased trading, but will do his best to keep car safe, despite two other transporters going to collect it on consecutive days, because both were winchless ( I told them both it needed winched!) the car is still there!

Fingers crossed for Tuesday coming though, when they will try again.....!


P

This is the stuff nightmares are made of, any reason why you cant get someone else to collect, as he has ceased trading, i would be concerned about poss baliff taking his transportation away, at least that way you would have the B12, wishing you good luck.

Yes, Roger 2nd guy is going back sheepishly on Tuesday with a winch on the transporter......watch this space.


P

This is unbelievable !!!

Fingers crossed that it all works out ok and very soon !!!!!  You really need the certainty of that car off the trailer, on the ground and secured on your property.

Good luck,

            Andy

Rule of thumb Andy.....if it can be cocked up...it will, especially when you rely on unknown third parties who don't truly understand business and responsibilities!

P

Wishing you the best of luck, when I used to do repossesions, I found about 4.30 am used to work well ,as they used to chuck the keys out of the window ;), known as the element of suprise ;D

Heres hoping it all goes to plan this week.....it would make a nice Xmas pressie....or given the period of time like actually delivering a baby called Lancia!


P

Am gunna have to employ a script writer at this rate. Indeed one or two on the forum might doubt that I've bought the thing at all!

So after another assurance it would be picked up today, its now tomorrow.

Oh well.......tomorrow it is then!


P

...word has reached me that Santa Claus Car Transport Inc has now taken over the moving of said Aurelia......its been spotted on a red sled high over the Irish sea......apparently some Irish fellow had one of these on his Christmas list.....the only thing on it mind you....but will it fit in his stocking.....?!

Hoping all will be revealed tomorrow ..........


P

...and its now Friday morning........was sorta hoping for Christmas morning at about 3.30am....but you can't have everything.........


P

How big's your chimney  :D

...why has Santa put on weight?!....;)

I always thought a decent sized Santa was about the same girth as a B12!!!!


P

.......and now its the 3rd January due to the Xmas holidays............


 ::)


P

You,ve more patience than me 8) 8)

And me >:(

Brian
8227 8)

Even at this early stage am a bit wearisome..... :-[

BUT...the new year is around the corner, once I am able to run my hands over her svelt Portuguese flanks all will be well...:)

The reading and research will kick in properly and will get things lined up for the summer, do expect your collective brains picked on the forum and by PM.... 8)

P

I am proud to announce ........................ ;D

That the Portuguese Lancia Aurelia B12 has been delivered, in the dark, in a force ten gale, obligatory horizontal rain, up a steep country lane with impossible access to the shed, myself the driver and two mates off loaded the B12 into a place of automotive purgatory to await the arrival of the late spring.

 8)


Phew!

Photos to follow!


P

Thank goodness for that!exciting stuff!looking forward to new pics.I am sure you must have taken some already on home soil even if only for the insurance chaps..always very exciting when something like this is delivered.best regards richard

Congratulations.  I'm looking forward to finding out what you've really got.

I reckon we should declare a national days holiday ;D ;D ;D

Thats not a bad idea Roger.......now....just how will I phrase that so the LMC committee will support it?!


;)


P

Photos taken on the trailer....then in the shed....some bits look better than others....but only of on a full strip down will all be revealed.

Have to resize them and all that.


P

Did all that rain wash the dust off or do you have a thick paste to remove now!
Looking forward to the pictures.
Brian
8227 8)

I thought they were filming a land based version of the "Perfect storm"...and I was the lead role and the B12 best supporting actor.......or was that vice versa........;)

Yup she got a good clean off freshened up the superficial rusty bits and then a bit of sludge gathered at the tip of the grille aperture....:)


P

Great celebrations are the order of the day !!!!!!!!  You may have a real beanfeast tonight !!!!!!!!!

Such excellent news Frank, typical car delivery weather, just another little touch in the whole saga.

I can't wait to see the photos and hear of the first impressions !

And now, as they say, let battle commence ......

                                        Andy

It was more relief than anything else, getting her tucked up and thinking should I use my sons industrial sized fan to create a drying Dyson like wind to dry her off or what, my mechanic said, she'll be alright.

So after the cold and awkwardness of it all, my hands don't seem too keen on handling/pushing cold wet metal, they were glowing hot on the steering wheel on the way home.....a funny sensation!

Am going to check her later......but still awfully wet over here today


P

Hoping these resized pics load up.........deep breathe everyone.......

....a few more.........

...last few.....

Frank,
That should keep you out of trouble for a fair while :o
Looks quite good overall, be nice to see what she looks like after a clean up.
Good Luck.

Brian
8227 8)

Agreed, not put too tight a schedule on it, providing the body work is doable, ie when stripped down its just not being held together by the roof, both sills badly shot, hard to tell about floor overall.

I will be chatting my mechanic/body man about does and don't and what we can order up in advance of starting next June.

It has a Flaminia interior...so rule number one broken re originality, but I quite like them.

Doubtless quite a few questions to follow, am hoping members will volunteer some top 5 tips as time nears to start!


P

I live about 6 miles from where the B 12 is being stored and as I still had the key decided go for a less "stressful" look at the car. Took some more pics, looked hard at the areas needing the extra work and wondered at what lay beneath the bituminous material coating its underside.

Am not mechanically minded nor do I know much about cars generally, but if the bonnet release mechanism is anything to go by, it is a wonderfully put together car. The bonnet closed as if it had just been opened for the first time, or maybe I am easily impressed?

The keys have gone walkabout during its travels and neglect over the last 2 months, but my mechanic said it shouldn't be a problem.

Given that I am as blind as the proverbial, I looked up close at the paint/body to realise it was hand painted and a certain amount of filler had been used in places.

We agreed to meet in late February to get the battle plan laid out and perhaps even start the restoration in late April as opposed to June....:)...plus hes just come across a very able local body/paint guy whose work is of a very high standard as opposed to the ones who do a good job and charge you the earth.

We also agreed that I would work under his supervision to do some basic preparatory work....quite a few evenings/weekends  will be filled I suspect!


P

I expect helping out with the preparatory work and more will broaden your knowledge of your car  and what could be better than a pro to work with. to make your car really feel like it is part of you it is good to know everything about it -every nut and bolt!looking forward to hearing about the progress!best regards richard

Keep the posts up Frank!  Looks like a nice weekend for some photography...

Looks like your B12 was painted the same mid-grey (grigio medio) as my B10 - assuming the paint on the bonnet and front wings of your car is what was on the car before the rear wings were hand-painted.  Do you think the PO was after a 'bi-colore' effect, like a pair of co-respondent shoes?  

There's a bi-coloured Aurelia that was featured in a film - stills are on the IMCDB.  I rather like the look of it.

(http://www.imcdb.org/i249333.jpg)

This one has the roof rack, as does the car Hemmingway was driven around in when on a well documented trip to Italy in the early '50s.

(http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/2787/88758930pi4.jpg)

Did all these B10 and 21 cars have roof rack mounts?  My B10 does, and an original 'rack would be a very cool accessory for sure.  Anyone got one lying around (as if)?  Would be idea for a family holiday.

Am in London this weekend William.....no pics, not sure if or what is causing the bi-coloured effect other than to say, the aluminium panels are different to the steel panels!!??

P

Up-date.

We spent a while looking over the B12 on Sunday

Compiled our first list...

The bumpers are pretty ropey, probably not saveable ( anyone on the forum got a set....he asked hopefully.....:)...)

One hub cap missing, two other maybe past repairing ( same request as above.....ditto below!)

Passenger side wiper arm missing, same side window winder, 1 carello headlight complete same side,

Spare blank keys ( others went walkabout in its 10 week transit!)

I have a set of Flaminia seats supplied, do you have the correct seats?

The wheels may be shot too, have you spares available...condition?


I know some panels can be made by Bill Lewis, do you have any old/new panels of any type, sills are shot, no doubt centre section too. Inner rear wheel arches ( read somewheres another inner wheel arch panel similar...advice?) Spare wheel well rusted through too, passenger side floor as well.


The car should be in the workshop sooner than I thought, end of April, when I get back from France.


If anyone can help out with any of the above it would be great, PM me if you wish,

Thanks


P

With the wheels perhaps consider 15in or 16in rims onto those centres.

David

Frank,
Just a comment from personal experience. I would strongly suggest you aim to go for originality as much as possible. You will be pleasantly surprised how some 'missing' parts become available when you least expect them....and from the most unlikely places. Particularly where Aurelia Sedans are concerned as so many of them were made.
There is one of those strange rules which operates - you buy a non-standard component despairing of ever finding an orginal of same and then an original (or two) turn up the following week!
I say this not just for the value and ease of selling the car if you ever wanted to (originality is always the key) but also most importantly for the simple reason that the Aurelia range of cars were so well designed both visually and driving/engineering wise that little can be improved over the original package.
Also can I suggest you try to get to the Mostra Scambio at Padova held at the end of October each year. The prices for spare parts, new and used can be high but the range on display for old Italian cars will not be bettered anywhere.

As I think I have already told you I have a lot of brake drums, steering boxes etc for Aurelia Sedans in the UK and I also have a set of 4 original hollow rim steel wheels in vgc stripped condition which might be available if you are stuck.
Chris

Hi Frank,once you get the correct seats sourced please let me know if a RHD  PF flaminia drivers seat in reasonable condition becomes surplus  as my base cushion  is rather tatty.best regards richards

Hi Richard, yes, no probs....no idea if there were differences in the Flamina seats, the seats are intact, but might sell them as a set?

Hi Chris, thank you for the sage advice, I have a full B12 interior lined up as an alternative, just waiting to see if I can negotiate a few 1000 off the asking price.....;)

None of the bits are urgent, as body work will need done first, so come 18mths time will hopefully have most of the rest gathered up.

Will certainly consider the Padova event, thanks for the info on the parts you have, will bear in mind,


P

The countdown begins.....aiming for a start around the 8/9th June.

As it turns out guys, am delayed by about 1 month. The mechanic/foreman on the restoration works in our local ( brand new, Queen opening it tomorrow!) hospital, but due to so many teething problems hes been tied up this last month plus, finally giving me a date this week...fingers Xed!


P

One month on.....the PA is finally moved, after 3 alternatives dates blown...now sitting on his parking area behind his house.

Initial clean down then into garage for strip down the week after next. I hope to be as involved as possible.

I will then start a new thread.....sincerely hoping the guys who are doing most of the work say number 1, they are happy to do it, secondly that I won't be left seeking a 2nd mortgage to do so from the very off!


P