The long search for an Aurelia B12

[Sliding Pillar]

I have been searching for a good B12 Aurelia for about 18 months.  
I have looked at cars all over Europe, some good some bad, I found one that I liked, the body and interior were perfect, it went OK, but the front suspension needed some work and there was a little dodgy welding on one sill, the price was right too. I wanted to buy it, but before the necessary funds were available it was sold to a dealer and the price almost doubled, c'est la vie!
I had got to the stage where I thought I wouldn't find what I was looking for, but in a chance conversation with Martin at Omicron, he mentioned that a car I knew about in the UK could be available for sale, and even better it was only 25 miles from home.
So to cut a long story short, I went to look at the car, it was a fair bit more expensive than my budget, but on the other hand it is probably the best B12 anywhere in the world. Deal done! (New kitchen will have to wait – priorities!)  
So today I have become the (very very) proud owner of 130 GMG.
It has fabulous history, built on the 22nd September 1955 it was first registered by Lancia (England) Ltd on the 1st December 1955 and subsequently was road tested by Autocar, and featured in an article entitled 'Connoiseur's carriage' on the 27th July 1956.
It had two owners up to 1971, when it was purchased by the person I bought it from. In the 46 years he owned it the total mileage increased by only 2,000 miles. It was subject to a no expense spared restoration between 1985 and 2005 although many parts of the car are totally original. (The bonnet and doors were not painted as they were in excellent condition). Total mileage to date is just under 72,000 miles.
130 GMG was featured in Neils Jonassens book 'Lancia Aurelia in detail'
It is absolutely amazing to drive, it is just so smooth and quiet, just like an Aurelia would have been when new!  
I just have a bit of a dilemma now, it is so perfect and has not seen a drop of rain for 46 years, but I want to use it a bit.......... I just hope it doesn't rain on the Sliding Pillar Rally this year!

[chriswgawne]

That's a really nice car Ade. You have done well I am sure and I am also sure you will really enjoy the particular characteristics of a good B12 which hasn't been messed around. The rigidity of the body, the original Lancia soundproofing, the torque of the engine, the big brakes and the overall gearing make for a very usable package in todays traffic. And its the right colour combination as well!
The only thing I would be just a little nervous of is the fact that the engine has done so few miles in the last 46 years but you will know all about that and you will keep a close eye on water and oil levels I am sure.
I have yet to meet a B12 owner who hasn't really enjoyed his car.
Chris

[GreenB20]

Very nice.   

[Sliding Pillar]

Thanks Chris. The engine has been totally rebuilt, so I will just keep to the running-in instructions, as shown below!

[Parisien]

Congratulations Ade!

Lovely looking B12 with a brilliant provenance, wishing you many safe and happy miles in THE car of the Aurelia range.

Stuff it full of one of the anti-rust waxes and rain will hold no fear.

P

[Sliding Pillar]

Thanks Frank, please don't tell everyone what all the proper Lancisti know, the B12 is the best Aurelia bar none.
Oh wait a minute, we both own one now, you can shout it from the roof tops!

[Sebastien]

Excellent Ade! Congratulations !

Looks very nice, especially with the correct hose clamps on the engine to radiator water pipe.
(Distributor cap is from a Flaminia however, as is the coil I think.... )

We all look forward to your running and driving reports.

Any pictures of the interior?

[Parisien]

The Aurelia cognescenti have been biting their collective tongues for quite a few decades, but you know the truth eventually leaks out.

Loving the running in instructions, you can almost detect the love lavished on this B12 even from this distance!

Mine is a long way from being fully appreciated, but some day!

P

[lancialulu]

I just have a bit of a dilemma now, it is so perfect and has not seen a drop of rain for 46 years, but I want to use it a bit.......... I just hope it doesn't rain on the Sliding Pillar Rally this year!

Lovely car Ade

Immaculate and I can appreciate your dilemma..... Did you trailer it to that nice muddy farm track in the photo?

[rogerelias]

Well done Ade, that is a really lovely car and was obviously meant to be . Enjoy

[Sliding Pillar]

Immaculate and I can appreciate your dilemma..... Did you trailer it to that nice muddy farm track in the photo?

That 'muddy farm track' as you call it is actually the oldest road in the country..... The Ridgeway, and I was only about 50m from the road, so didn't have to drive through any of the, rather large, puddles.

[the.cern]

You are a very fortunate man Ade!! Your perseverance has paid off and your reward seems well deserved.

                                       Andy

[JohnMillham]

It looks fabulous. Congratulations.
Regards, John.

[Sliding Pillar]

Any pictures of the interior?

Sebastien, if you look in the Aurelia in detail book you will see the interior. It has custom made seat covers in a rather fetching bright blue check. These have been on the seats since the sixties, I even have the original brochure and samples for them.
Tomorrow I am going to investigate and perhaps even take the covers off!  From what I can see the original hazelnut brown west of England cloth is in excellent condition, as it should be after 50 years being covered up. Tomorrow will tell. More photos then!

[fay66]

Congratulations Ade,
Absolutely beautiful, I honestly don't know how anyone could resist driving it, 2000 miles in 46 years

Brian
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