You promise a lot when you name a car after a whole continent, but this 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America more than delivers. The twice-restored black beauty is another of the legendary cars to be offered at auction in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on May 14. For more information on this gorgeous Italian roadster, take a look a the listing here on RM Sotheby’s website.

A Lancia Aurelia is a very special car regardless of whether it is a coupe, a convertible, or a saloon. The first series, produced in 1950, immediately proved its worth on the race circuit with B20 coupes taking both second and fifth in the 1951 Mille Miglia. The car was revolutionary for several reasons, but the most noteworthy must be the engine: the first modern production V6. The 1991cc V6 in the 1951 B20 was very same powerplant used in the production sedan. It made only 75 hp and beat Ferraris.

Of course, that engine evolved quickly, along with the car as a whole. Racing success virtually demanded that an open car be produced, and the B24 Spider was introduced in 1955. A proper sports car, it eschewed such frippery as windows that rolled down and door handles, opting instead for a more pure driving experience powered by a now-2.5L V6 making 118 bhp. In an unusual move, power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a 4-speed transaxle, and the rear brakes were inboard drums– front drums are more conventionally located. Top speed was an estimated 115 mph, but, powerful as it was, most sources emphasize its responsive handling and agility.

The “America” was added late to the name, apparently in an effort to appeal to the car’s largest overseas market. This is reflected in production numbers– of the 240 B24 Spiders built, only 59 were right-hand drive. The listing notes the body, built by Pinin Farina just a few years before they opened the new plant in Grugliasco. And the body is worthy of note; the car is singularly attractive, with lines that draw the eye inexorably over the front fenders, past the sweeping doors and on to the elegant rear quarters. As beautiful as it is rare, it will be a treat to see how the auction plays out for this incredible piece of automotive and engineering history.