Shortly before Christmas 1954, Tourist Trophy Garage mechanic Britt Pearce went to Turin to collect a new Lancia Aurelia Gran Turismo B20-2500 and delivered it on Christmas Eve, just in time for new owner Mike Hawthorn's convalescence after his Syracuse crash. Registration plate as delivered was WPD 10. He raced it once at Ibsley in 1955 (see below right) but kept the car until around 1957.

Motor of March 1955 covered the car in detail as once the car was run-in, (not to exceed 94 mph), Mike agreed to let them try it.

They noted that "Mike has had certain modifications incorporated. Firstly, the gear lever has been removed from the steering column and now appears in the correct position immediately to the left of the driver, Also the standard steering wheel has been replaced by a racing type with flat alloy spokes and a knobbly wooden rim. A special camshaft in the engine give a little more urge, while an Abarth exhaust system helps performance and lends distinction (not to say bewilderment), by the appearance of four chromium pipes emerging from the rear."

Mike discussing his Lancia Aurelia with mechanic Hughie Sewell on the forecourt of the Tourist Trophy Garage

The full review is interesting to read and concludes:

"As one who has no pretention whatsoever to being a "sporty boy" I found the car delightful; brisk, obedient and possessing an asset rarely supplied with the quicker continentals - engine quietness "But I was told by Mike that the hefty six-blade fan is sometimes annoyingly noisy on the overrun. At high speeds, a wind whistle by the front nearside window was annoying, but fractional lowering almost cured the noise.

"The maximum speed appeared to be near 112 mph and petrol consumption about 22 mpg."

From Motor Racing, March 1955

Mike Hawthorn at Ibsley in April 1955 driving his Lancia Aurelia 2500 where he just turned up and raced! He only finished 14th but did achieve the fastest lap of the day and won £3..

This Aurelia still exists and has been restored into pristine condition by John Cundy in the UK. Full coverage of the car and its story with photos, amongst many others that Mike owned, will be in the new book about Mike due out in Autumn 2008.