Lancia Aurelia B51 Castagna

The Lancia Aurelia B51 Castagna was a bespoke, four-door luxury saloon built on the long-wheelbase version of the Aurelia platform and bodied by Carrozzeria Castagna of Milan between 1950 and 1952. It was based on the B51 chassis, a derivative of the B50, intended by Lancia for heavier or more formal coachbuilt applications. The model was conceived for clients seeking a more traditional and upright design than the standard factory-bodied variants. The B51 chassis employed a longitudinally mounted 1,754 cc V6 engine, designed by Francesco de Virgilio. It was the first production V6 engine, a single overhead camshaft unit, delivering 56 horsepower at 4,000 rpm. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission with column shift. The suspension system featured independent front suspension with sliding pillars and a rear De Dion axle with semi-elliptic springs, a configuration that aimed to provide a refined ride suitable for a luxury saloon. Carrozzeria Castagna, established in the 19th century and known for its formal and often conservative styling, applied its traditional design vocabulary to the B51 platform. The bodywork of the Lancia Aurelia B51 Castagna featured a high roofline, vertical grille, and pronounced fenders, offering a formal aesthetic aligned with prewar luxury sedans. Interior appointments were tailored to client specifications, with attention to comfort, rear seat space, and discreet detailing. The construction combined steel panels with wooden substructures, consistent with coachbuilding practices of the period.