A Rebel With Style: The 1954 Lancia Aurelia B20GT Outlaw

Every now and then, a car comes along that feels less like a machine and more like a statement. Enter the 1954 Lancia Aurelia B20GT Outlaw.  This reimagined classic takes Italian automotive artistry and infuses it with a hefty dose of rebellious charm. If the original Lancia Aurelia B20GT was the sophisticated gentleman of the 1950s car world, the Outlaw version is its leather-jacket-wearing, chain-smoking rebellious cousin. Let’s discover what makes this outlawed beauty so captivating.

A Quick History Lesson: The Lancia Aurelia Legacy

Before we dive into the Outlaw version, let’s give credit where it’s due. The original Lancia Aurelia B20GT debuted in 1951 and was an instant game-changer. It was one of the first production cars to feature a V6 engine and pioneering the layout for many luxury and performance vehicles that followed. Designed by Ghia and engineered with a level of precision that would make a Swiss watchmaker blush, the Aurelia was an engineering marvel (for its time). It won hearts (and races) across Europe, including the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio.

Then came the 1954 Outlaw version created by automotive artisan Thornley Kelham. It’s like taking the Mona Lisa and adding sunglasses, a mohawk and a chain wallet. Purists might cringe, but some enthusiasts can’t help but smile.

What’s So “Outlaw” About It?

Thornley Kelham’s Outlaw Aurelia takes the original B20GT’s classic lines and modernizes it with subtle but meaningful tweaks. Think of it as a tasteful restomod that doesn’t betray the spirit of the original and makes it undeniably cooler.

• Bodywork: The Outlaw features bespoke aluminum panels hand-crafted to enhance the car’s aerodynamic silhouette. The fender flares are bolder, the stance is wider, and the whole car oozes a sense of purpose.
• Engine: The original 2.5-liter V6 gets swapped out for a reworked 2.8-liter unit capable of producing over 200 horsepower, which is a healthy bump from the original’s modest output.
• Suspension and Brakes: Modern independent suspension and disc brakes replace the older setups, ensuring that the car handles as well as it looks.
• Interior: The cabin blends retro aesthetics with modern comforts, featuring luxurious leather upholstery, a subtle roll cage, and a bespoke dashboard that’s as functional as it is stylish.

Notable Features & Specs

• Engine: Modified 2.8-liter V6
• Horsepower: 200+ HP
• Transmission: 5-speed manual (smooth as butter if butter was Italian)
• Chassis: Lightweight aluminum bodywork
• Suspension: Upgraded independent suspension for improved handling
• Brakes: Modern disc brakes for confidence-inspiring stopping power
• Interior: Hand-stitched leather, vintage-modern hybrid dashboard, and period-correct gauges
• Wheels: Bespoke alloys wrapped in performance rubber

Driving the Outlaw: A Heart-Pounding Experience

Getting behind the wheel of the Lancia Aurelia Outlaw is like stepping into a time machine, except this one has air conditioning and the ability to go sideways if you’re feeling frisky. The reworked V6 provides enough power to remind you why cars like this belong on open roads and twisty mountain passes.

The steering is precise, though delightfully analog, reminding you that you’re in control. The suspension and chassis upgrades make cornering a joyfully sharp, responsive, and just a bit playful. The car’s lighter weight combined with its wider stance makes it feel planted yet agile, perfect for spirited hooligan driving.

Oh, and the sound? Glorious. The V6 sings an aria that would make some modern supercars blush.

How Does It Compare?

For a car that’s part classic, part rebel, you’ve got to wonder: What’s its competition?

1. Singer Porsche 911

• Price: Astronomical (but worth it)
• Vibe: A restomod that takes the Porsche 911 to perfectionist heights.
• Why It’s a Competitor: Both cars blend old-school charm with modern engineering, but the Singer leans more on precision and performance, while the Lancia has that undeniable Italian flair.

2. Jaguar E-Type Eagle Speedster

• Price: Stratospheric
• Vibe: Sexy British sophistication with a modern twist.
• Why It’s a Competitor: Both cars appeal to enthusiasts who want elegance with a side of adrenaline.

3. Alfaholics GTA-R

• Price: Eye-watering
• Vibe: Lightweight, high-revving Italian perfection.
• Why It’s a Competitor: Similar heritage appeal with a modern performance edge. However, the Outlaw’s V6 soundtrack might tip the scales.

Why the Outlaw Stands Out From the Pack

It’s easy to dismiss the Outlaw Aurelia as a niche passion project, but doing so would miss the point. This car isn’t trying to be mass-market; it’s not interested in being practical or even “sensible.” Instead, it’s a celebration of classic automotive artistry, an ode to when cars were more than just A to B transportation. In today’s world of appliance like electric crossovers and endless SUVs, that’s something to cherish.

The Lancia Aurelia B20GT Outlaw is a car for someone who values the experience of the journey over the destination. It’s for those who dream of early-morning drives on empty back roads with the engine’s melody echoing through canyons. And maybe, just maybe, it’s for you.

Would You Go Outlaw?

So, what do you think? Could you see yourself piloting this Italian work of art through the streets of your hometown, turning heads at every corner? Or does the idea of such an unapologetically niche car make you roll your eyes?  For me, the Lancia Aurelia B20GT Outlaw is proof that cars can be more than simply metal and wheels. Sure, it’s not practical. But practicality is overrated, don’t you think?

Let us know in the comments if you could take the Outlaw for a spin, where would you go first? Would you pick this over its competitors or other unique rides out there?