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!