THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1952
- Body style
- Berlina
- Engine
- V6
- Type
- Limited
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR
Coachbuilding, design & conversions
PRICE & SALES RECORD
Vehicle value
- Original price
- Not documented
- Latest recorded sale
- Not documented
01 / THE STORY
History & context
The Lancia Aurelia B52 Gran Gala, crafted by Carrozzeria Boneschi, is a rare and distinctive version of the legendary Lancia Aurelia. Debuting at the 1952 Turin Auto Salon, this model drew attention for its sophisticated design and luxurious touches, marking it as a unique take on Lancia’s engineering excellence. Boneschi, known for its bespoke coachwork, built the B52 Gran Gala in a limited series, focusing on refinement and exclusivity. Based on the B52 chassis, which Lancia designated for specialized coachbuilt bodies, the Gran Gala diverged from the standard Aurelia models by emphasizing style and luxury over raw performance. Boneschi’s design introduced a streamlined body with elegant proportions, featuring flowing lines, bold chrome accents, and a refined grille that gave the car a stately appearance. Its balanced stance and signature touches, such as uniquely shaped fenders and polished detailing, made the Gran Gala stand out even among other custom-built Italian cars of the period.,The Aurelia B52 Gran Gala’s interior was equally remarkable, reflecting the era’s penchant for opulence and attention to detail. High-quality materials like premium leather and polished wood adorned the cabin, creating an inviting space that was as comfortable as it was stylish. The model combined Boneschi’s artisanal craftsmanship with Lancia’s cutting-edge technology, including the innovative V6 engine that made the Aurelia series famous for its smooth power delivery and advanced performance.,Although the Gran Gala was built in small numbers, its exhibition at the 1952 Turin Auto Salon underscored its significance within the coachbuilding world, representing a peak in Italian automotive design and bespoke luxury. This limited-production model remains a prized collector’s item, not only for its rarity but also for its role in the Aurelia’s storied history as one of Lancia’s most influential and revered models.
Historical research note
The private Aurelia register confirms a 1952 Boneschi B52 Gran Gala Berlina as a model-level entry. No individual chassis is supplied for that Boneschi identity, and populated B52 serial rows in the same register belong to other identified coachbuilders.
Source: SRC-PRIVATE-AURELIA-REGISTER-CI-77918 · DOC-AURELIA-REGISTER-B52-GRANGALA-BONESCHI · Named model/body identity; chassis unavailable · Knowledge Facts r716 · Historical information awaiting independent verification.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Limited
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- V6
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Boneschi
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Lancia
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 3 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
No publishable archival references are currently catalogued for this vehicle.











THE CONVERSATION
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