Three men in a B12...The Automobile April 2008

[Parisien]

This is one of the few write ups I've come across about the B12, the only other was an article in Classic Cars edition of 1999 (they confused the B10 with the B12 in several areas)

This article was about 3 of the main contributors going to France to collect the ex-Emperor of Vietnams B12, bought at auction in 2008.

It was then to become part of their collection, French registered as 58 DF 75 (Paris department), 1954 Series II ( Lancia blue, only 71,000 Kms on the clock), does anyone know of it or have any other information on it?


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[Sliding Pillar]

It was at the Aurelia lunch in 2010.

[Sebastien]

Here some photos I took that same day
Leather interior with separate seats, plus floor change, not a standard B12!

[Parisien]

Thanks for those guys.......nor will mine be a standard B12!


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[Richard Fridd]

Is there a chance the article from 2008 being reproduced here as I must have missed this one.richard

[JohnMillham]

Thanks for those guys.......nor will mine be a standard B12!


P

Think hard before changing your car to a floor gear-change, as there's not much wrong with the original steering column change. I used to have a very nice B12 with a B20 motor, which was a great car. Pity it caught fire!  Regards, John

[DavidLaver]

What's the combination that Tim and Jane Burret have ended up with? 

I bet they've surprised a few people in it 

David

[Parisien]

Thanks for those guys.......nor will mine be a standard B12!


P

Think hard before changing your car to a floor gear-change, as there's not much wrong with the original steering column change. I used to have a very nice B12 with a B20 motor, which was a great car. Pity it caught fire!  Regards, John

Nothing overly drastic...it comes with the "Heuff" up-date......aka a Flaminia seating change, the lights front and rear are different, not doing a floor change though, not entirely sure about exterior colour, hoping to make it the midnight blue hue.......


P

PS And equipping it with a fire extinguisher!

[Sliding Pillar]

Tim & Jane's car is a B22, so 1991cc engine and 90Bhp, see picture below.

Aurelia saloon types:
First series; B10 1754cc 56Bhp,  B21 1991cc 70Bhp, B22 1991cc 90 Bhp all with independent rear suspension.
Second series B12 2266cc 87Bhp de Dion rear suspension.

[Sliding Pillar]

I wonder if the front seats on the 'Automobile' B12 are original, they have the haulmark Pinin Farina wooden strip and ashtray on the seat backs and look very comfortable, befitting of an Emperor!

[DavidLaver]

I don't think Jane waited that long for 90bhp...  Anyone know for sure what spec she ordered?  I also bet it would take a properly hot Fulvia to keep up with them.

David

[B20B24]

I wonder if the front seats on the 'Automobile' B12 are original, they have the haulmark Pinin Farina wooden strip and ashtray on the seat backs and look very comfortable, befitting of an Emperor!

Yes I believe they are original (special order) according to the paperwork that came with that car, it was cosseted for most of its life by the embassy chauffeur who ended up owning it and it came with all original docs when sold a few years ago. It's one of The Automobile's oily rag fleet and has done 5000 or so miles and their editor uses it. My brother has been in this car and says it's great (since the brakes were fixed, anyrate).