The Lancia Aurelia Model Car – 14 – L’Aurelia De L’Italien

Author: Hergé & Editions Moulinsart
Price: £125.00
Publisher: Editions Moulinsart
Publication date: 2019
Format: Original pictorial wrappers with car on plinth
Condition: In very good condition
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout

Description:

Original pictorial wrappers. Text in French. Includes the accompanying car. One from the collection of 71 books and models. Very slight wear to the acrylic case. In very good indeed, clean condition overall.

Tintin And The Lancia Aurelia: A Brief Account

The Lancia Aurelia occupies a small yet striking place in the visual and narrative landscape of The Adventures of Tintin. Most notably, it features in The Calculus Affair (L’Affaire Tournesol, first published in 1956), a story widely regarded as one of Hergé’s most sophisticated works due to its taut pacing, Cold War atmosphere and precise technical detailing. Among the many period vehicles that populate the album, the Aurelia stands out not merely as a background feature but as a carefully observed component of the book’s realism.

A Vehicle of Style and Innovation

Produced by Lancia between 1950 and 1958, the Aurelia was pioneering in several respects. The B20 GT coupé, the model most commonly associated with Tintin, was celebrated for its refined engineering, elegant coachwork and impressive handling. It was among the world’s first true gran turismo cars, embodying a blend of speed, comfort and European style that was distinctly modern in the post-war era.

Including such a vehicle was entirely in keeping with Hergé’s approach. His research, and that of Studios Hergé, was meticulous, and he favoured contemporary designs that grounded his stories in recognisable reality. Cars were not mere decoration; they helped define the social and political world through which Tintin moved.

Appearance in The Calculus Affair

The Aurelia features during the Geneva sequence, where the tension between spies and security services is at its height. When the authorities attempt to intervene, a Lancia Aurelia B20 GT appears as a police pursuit vehicle. Its distinctive sloping fastback silhouette, sculpted front wings and elegant proportions are rendered with characteristic precision. The vehicle underscores the sophistication of the European setting and adds cinematic flair to the chase scenes.

Hergé did not simply sketch generic cars. Vehicles in Tintin are instantly recognisable, from the Citroën Traction Avant in The Blue Lotus to the Jeep in Land of Black Gold. The appearance of the Aurelia signals his sensitivity to contemporary motoring culture, as well as his appreciation for elegant industrial design.

Cultural and Narrative Significance

The Calculus Affair marks a turning point in the Tintin canon. Its tone is serious, the political stakes high, and the aesthetic modern. Against this backdrop, the Aurelia becomes more than a stylish detail. It contributes to the album’s sense of urgency and serves as a subtle indicator of institutional efficiency in neutral Switzerland, whose police are portrayed as capable, organised and technologically up-to-date.

From a broader cultural perspective, the inclusion of the Aurelia reflects the ascendancy of Italian automotive design in the 1950s and the growing influence of grand touring cars on European motoring aspirations. Hergé intuitively recognised and captured this trend.

Lasting Appeal

Today, the Aurelia remains a coveted classic among collectors and enthusiasts, admired for its mechanical ingenuity and timeless aesthetic. Its presence in Tintin amplifies the album’s enduring charm, offering readers not only a glimpse of Cold War intrigue but also a snapshot of mid-century automotive excellence.

For Tintin aficionados, the Lancia Aurelia represents more than a passing detail. It is a symbol of Hergé’s dedication to authenticity and his talent for weaving contemporary culture seamlessly into comic-book art. For motoring enthusiasts, it stands as a delightful and accurate tribute to one of Italy’s most beloved sporting cars.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of objects and rare books are carefully curated to ensure each edition is a valuable piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Each item is meticulously researched and verified for authenticity and collation.
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Cataloguer: Daniel Hornsey

Daniel Hornsey has specialised in fine and rare books, ephemera, and collectors’ editions for over thirty years. As a long-standing member of the antiquarian book trade, he has advised private collectors, curated catalogues, and sourced works for leading dealers, libraries and institutions across the world.

Hornseys’ exhibit regularly at book and map fairs in London and throughout the UK and are members of the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association, the PBFA.

His fascination with Hergé’s work — especially ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ — began in childhood. Daniel recalls reading Tintin in original European editions and quickly recognising that these were not merely children’s books, but finely illustrated narratives crafted with artistic depth and wit.

As noted by the Musée Hergé in Louvain-la-Neuve, Hergé’s ‘ligne claire’ style has influenced generations of European comic artists and his original drawings and paintings command very high prices with his painting of ‘The Blue Lotus’ jar fetching £2.8m at auction in 2021.

By presenting these works through Hornseys’, he hopes to contribute to the continued appreciation of one of the 20th century’s most influential illustrators, helping new generations discover the artistry and legacy of Hergé.