Even in Europe, in the late 1940s, the long wave of cars built with metal and wood arrived, a style dictated mostly by Chrysler and Ford since the early 40’s.

Italy in those years had a strong commercial exchange with the United States (its main customer for many goods) and the American continent in general, obviously it did not take long to incorporate the new styles, although in Italy in the early 50s the car was less common than the United States, mainly because fewer people could buy one.

In fact, the woodies built in the United States had a more popular target, certainly not the same of this Aurelia B51 intended for a selected few, in particular when built in this version. This self-taught car was born as “Giardinetta” but years later it was transformed into a hearse : found in a courtyard in Italy, it was then studied and the current seller found traces of the old door posts (with wood) during the beginning of the restoration: now the car is for sale as you see it – partially restored – and there is still a lot of work to be done, but it is probably worth it. Find it for sale here in Lizzano In Belvedere, Italy.