The Aurelia B20 Coupe is among the vintage Lancias expected to be on display at the American Lancia Club’s reunion in Rhinebeck, New York. Photo courtesy Lancia
While the spotlight in the Italian car world has rightfully been focused on Alfa Romeo in its centennial year, a group of enthusiasts will gather next month to celebrate an even more venerable marque from Italy. The American Lancia Club will hold its annual East Coast reunion on September 10-12 in the historic village of Rhinebeck, New York, which is also the home of the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome and its mock dogfights featuring World War I aircraft.
Lancia, founded in 1906, was built on a foundation of innovative engineering, and built its fame in competition. The first unit body, the first production V-6 engine and the first five-speed gearbox fitted to a regular production car are among the company’s credits.
Reunion events open to the general public include a show at Old Rhinebeck on Saturday (spectators will need to pay the Aerodrome’s admission fee), and a concours at the host hotel, the Delamater Inn, on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to noon. “We expect a number of Lancias from the 1950s and perhaps earlier, including several Aurelia B20 Coupes and B24 Spiders,” said reunion coordinator James Steerman.
Lancia enthusiasts need not be members of the American Lancia Club to register for other events, which include a Friday wine and cheese party, a lunch on Saturday and a dinner on Sunday. “The Lancia Club would like to welcome and invite the participation of any Lancia enthusiast to attend our reunion, and perhaps become involved with what is a very special and tight-knit group of fellow enthusiasts,” Steerman said. For more information about registering for the event, contact ALC East Coast Vice President Walt Spak at b20swalt [at] city-net.com, or Steerman at aureliaspider [at] yahoo.com.