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12/05/2026 6:43 pm
1955 Lancia Aurelia B56 Florida by Pininfarina
The 1955 Lancia Aurelia B56 Florida by Pininfarina is a landmark concept car that radically reshaped automotive design. Introduced at the 1955 Turin Motor Show, it served as the direct precursor to the production Lancia Flaminia and introduced a "razor-edge" styling language that influenced European cars for the next decade. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Key Specifications & Production
- Production: Extremely rare; only four examples were ever built—three 4-door "Berlina" sedans and one 2-door coupe.
- Engine: Built on the Aurelia B56 chassis, it featured a 2.3-liter V6 engine producing approximately 87 CV (horsepower).
- Chassis: Utilized a de Dion rear axle, independent front suspension, and a rear-mounted transaxle for balanced weight distribution. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Groundbreaking Design Features
The Florida was revolutionary for its time, moving away from the rounded "pontoon" shapes of the early 1950s toward more modern, linear silhouettes: [1]
- Pillarless Construction: Both the coupe and sedan featured a "pillarless" design with no B-pillar, creating an open, airy cabin when the windows were down.
- Suicide Doors: The 4-door Berlina utilized rear-hinged "suicide" doors, a Lancia tradition that allowed for effortless entry to the rear seats.
- Visual Innovations: It featured flat body sides with a single sharp crease, flying buttresses, and an inset rear windshield—elements that later appeared on prestigious cars like the Peugeot 404 and Fiat 2100. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Historical Legacy
The Florida is often cited by experts, such as those at Dyler, as one of the most influential designs in history. Battista "Pinin" Farina himself was so enamored with the design that he used a Florida II (the 1957 evolution) as his personal car for many years. [1, 2, 3]
This topic was modified 1 month ago 2 times by John Bono
John Bono
North Jersey
12/05/2026 9:08 pm
It's different, but it's not ugly and yes, somewhat radical for 1955 but no more than what GM was doing at the time. I like it! 😎 😎
12/05/2026 9:48 pm
Classy, clean lines, an understated yet sporty vibe.
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
12/05/2026 11:42 pm
I know very little about the Lancia marque but from what I have seen on this forum over the years they have made some very attractive cars.
Tony Perrone and John Bono reacted
13/05/2026 5:43 am
Overall, a nice looking car. It would look much better, in my mind's eye, if it were a two door.
Jack Dodds and John Bono reacted
Topic starter
13/05/2026 6:03 am
Tony, that statement can apply to most any 4-door.Overall, a nice looking car. It would look much better, in my mind's eye, if it were a two door.
John Bono
North Jersey
Jack Dodds and Tony Perrone reacted
13/05/2026 7:48 am
Over the years I have marveled at the differences in designs that come from Europe versus the United States. Lancia, along with others, always defined a lighter sportier look to me with smaller displacement motors while the Us cars were generally bigger with larger displacement motors. Both schools of thought make our hobby of cars more interesting today along with the models.
13/05/2026 8:40 am
Beautiful and understated. Italy at its best.
16/05/2026 2:59 am
perfectly put Bob. I've always been a fan of the ultra creative and at times unique European sports designs. I have a 1/24 1954 Lancia Auralia B24S from Leomodels. A real beauty IMO.Over the years I have marveled at the differences in designs that come from Europe versus the United States. Lancia, along with others, always defined a lighter sportier look to me with smaller displacement motors while the Us cars were generally bigger with larger displacement motors. Both schools of thought make our hobby of cars more interesting today along with the models.
Another great selection thanks John
Topic starter
16/05/2026 9:32 am
Now that's sweet! Geoff, thanks for the pics.perfectly put Bob. I've always been a fan of the ultra creative and at times unique European sports designs. I have a 1/24 1954 Lancia Auralia B24S from Leomodels. A real beauty IMO.Over the years I have marveled at the differences in designs that come from Europe versus the United States. Lancia, along with others, always defined a lighter sportier look to me with smaller displacement motors while the Us cars were generally bigger with larger displacement motors. Both schools of thought make our hobby of cars more interesting today along with the models.
Another great selection thanks John
John Bono
North Jersey