Oldest surviving Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider to go under the hammer

The oldest surviving Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider, a rare factory prototype, could make £978,000 when it goes under the hammer next month. The Lancia, which was the first production car to use a V6 engine, will be offered at Bonhams' 4 February Grand Palais Sale.

Launched in 1950, the Aurelia combined stunning design and powerful engineering. During the two years it was made, 240 were build. This makes the car offered for sale here (chassis number B24S1002) the oldest surviving model.

Philip Kantor, Bonhams European head of motoring, said, ‘A rare factory prototype, the motor car offered was used as the display car for the 1955 motor show in both Brussels and Geneva. Offered from long term private ownership, the Aurelia boasts a continuous history and is fully restored to original specification.’

Another car that many enthusiasts will have their eye on will be a Lancia Stratos. A limited production 'homologation special', the this car retains the striking 'wedge' styling but employed the powerful Ferrari Dino 2.4-litre V6 engine.

Finished in orange with tan alcantara interior, this original 1975 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale Coupé offered at Bonhams sale is expected to fetch up to £340,000.