A symbol of elegance, the Aurelia was the first new car presented by Lancia after the war. This modern and refined car was also innovative as in the best tradition of the Turin-based company. This was most notably due to its extraordinary 6-cylinder V engine, the first in the world, created by engineer Francesco De Virgilio, and for the original rear axle with independent wheels and gearbox and brakes in block with the differential. The ‘B20’ version, presented in 1951, a year after the saloon, with shortened wheel- base, upgraded engine, and Pininfarina coupé bodywork, introduced the ‘Gran Turismo’ formula