1955 Nardi Raggio Azzurro I (Vignale)

Built in 1955 a fantastic bubble topped creation at the commision of Enrico Nardi the first of what would be a series of only two concept cars based around Lancia Aurelia V6 mechanicals. Raggio Azzurro I was based on what was to have been a Carrera Pan American road racing chassis created by Nardi Torino. In 1958 a second more sedate car Raggio Azzurro II was created. It was also built around Lancia Aurelia mechanicals only this time the chassis was to be modified Aurelia B20. The styling was penned by Vignale understudy Giovanni Michelotti.

Jim Simpson - Simpson Desing & Development

Perhaps the most fantastic creation of Enrico Nardi, Blue Ray No. 1 (Raggio Azzurro) was completed in September of 1955. It was introduced to the world at the Turin Auto Show, and subsequently was shown at the Paris and New York Auto shows.

The Blue Ray is built on a tubular steel Pan American road racing chassis constructed by Nardi. Power is provided by a Lancia Aurelia B20 engine with Nardi updates including Nardi camshaft, pistons, exhaust manifolds, alloy radiator header, cast alloy Nardi air scoop, and intake manifold to accommodate dual double throat Weber 40DCZS carburettors. The engine is a 2.5 litre 60 degree V-6 with bore/stroke of 78mm x 85.5 mm producing a maximum of 190 BHP at 5,500 RPM, said to be capable of propelling the car to 140 MPH. The car is equipped with a Nardi floor mounted gear change and a four speed Aurelia B20 transaxle with inboard drum brakes. The car has vertical pillar independent front suspension, and rear suspension in the form of a de Dion layout with the axle tube supported on conventional half-elliptic leaf springs and located laterally by a Panhard rod. The 400 mm wheels were specially commissioned from Borrani and are 68 spoke construction with knockoff hubs.

The coachwork was designed by Michelotti, and constructed by Vignale. All of the coachwork with the exception of the roof frame is of alloy, including the floors and inner fenders. The roof is of blue Perspex™ and is equipped with a grilled air scoop and internal directional vents. The side windows are of blue Perspex™ and slide upwards towards the centre of the roof to open. The rear window is also of blue Perspex™.

www.lanciamotorclub.co.uk