Aurelia wheeltrims

[Koen De Wit]

Could anyone help me on the right wheeltrim for a 4th series B20?In the book on the Aurelia GT(Italian by F Bernabo) on pages 42-43, there seems to be a chrome(?) outer rim embellisher. My wheels are beige with dark blue rims, but this gives a rather sombre look, so if possible I'd like to brighten them up a bit.

[Geoff Goldberg]

Well, this is an interesting subject. I have a B20 4th series with them, and believed for a long time they were an "aftermarket" addition by some spirited owner. However, at the Aurelia reunion in Arles a couple of years ago, Roberto Pozzi's very original 4th s. B20 had them as well! He said they were a "factory option" altho I have not found any evidence of this. There may be a reference in the parts book, but I don't recall it.

I have also seen other strange wheel combinations from that era of Aurelia, sohe may well be right.

I would recommend staying original with your car, and be happy with that look. The later ones get a bit more trim, and the 4th series is nice for its clean look.

Best,
Geoff

[Brian Long]

Koen,
I think the 4th series only had central wheel caps held by three, flat-spring tensioned clips rivetted to the wheel, as on the sedan.There was no embellisher on the rims (such as the Flaminias have).The 5th and 6th series had the slotted 'discs' held in place by the spin-on central cover.
Also, the wheels only carried one colour.
Happy Aurelia motoring!
Regards, Brian Long

[Steve Katzman]

My '55 Spider (4th Series) wheels were painted grey/biege, and came with trim rings as well. When I got the car I asked my friend if he still had the rings. He said they had rusted away a long time ago. This on a car that had never seen rain, much less salt. The hubcap clips are spot welded, flat spring steel, rubber coated, double bumps. After 45 plus years, the rubber is pretty much gone. I would never trust my hucaps to them on the road. I have a friend whose 4th S. B20 also came with rings.
I have just taken delivery of a set of Borrani Record rims, alloy rims with steel centers. The polished rims should mimic the rings. After seeing pictures of Pininfarina's Spider (which are also fitted with trim rings), I've decided to paint the centers a dark green to contrast with the pastel green body. Although I can see traces of the original Borrani silver-grey, they came to me with Lancia Blue centers. Keep in mind you could special order just about anything you wanted.
Steve

[Jean de Barsy]

Beste Koen,

The wheelrims you write about are 6th series wheelcovers. I'm sure these can be ordered at SAVI in Italy. These wheelrims are also used on the B24 but not on the sportier B24 "Spyder".

[Koen De Wit]

Beste Jean,
(we'll continue in English),
I finally found the correct 4th series (allow me to correct a Lancia expert like you, my friend) wheelrings wich fit only on the outer wheelrim. They were an option fitted to most 4th series B20's and even Leo Van Hoorick's B24' Spyder ' (I suppose you know the car), has them. Francesco Gandolfi of the Registro Aurelia Italiano found them for me in Italy. I fitted them last autumn and it makes a real change to the car's looks.
Anyhow, thanks for your reply, and I hope we meet soon at the next Lancia Club Belgio meeting.
See you,
Koen