An Aurelia for the Jet age

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We took a deep dive in the wonderful world of the coachbuilt Lancia ‘B52’ some years ago after we’d stumbled upon an Aurelia that seemed to be a cross-breed between the ordinary coupe and the most extraordinary jet-age PF200 by Pininfarina. For decades the number of PF200s that the coachbuilder built between 1952 and 1955 was believed to be five or six, but more recently a figure of seven was mentioned. And the one we saw could be added to that. Pininfarina, too, didn’t know exactly when I asked. They had very limited records on what can be called one of their most productive periods. The PF200 was launched in Spyder form in Turin in 1952. With its low bullet-nose resembling a jet-engine intake, stretched rear end that sported anti-dent bumpers and triple exhausts poking out of each side, it was about as extravagant as a Salvador Gaudí-facade in Kensington would be.

Evidently it attracted extraordinary people. One of the spyders went to playboy singer and actor Renato Rascel, while Californian motoring mogul Kjell Qvale asked for a coupe version as a present to his wife. Another coupé was commissioned by a wealthy businessman who is said to have the car gifted to Eva Perón, but if Argentina’s first lady ever drove it remains unknown as she passed away in 1952, leaving a stable with other Italian exotics such as a Cisitalia and an Inter Ferrari. We found this picture in our files but couldn’t remember where it came from. Would an Italian model, posing for that outlandish Lancia, really be wearing a dress in saucy flower print? Or is that Mrs. Qvale on the photograph?

(Words and archive picture Jeroen Booij)

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