General Description - Series II

Series II Aurelias are defined by a new rear suspension introduced in 1954 consisting of wheel location by semi-elliptic leaf springs, De Dion tube with Panhard rod and telescopic dampers.


Arguments continue as to the benefits of this heavier system over the earlier one, but the Series II system does give a superior ride and at least as high cornering speeds, despite the fact that the B20 competition successes were accomplished with the Series I system.

Cutaway diagram of a vintage car showing the steering and suspension systems.

Tav.45 – Series II Rear Suspension

  1. Rear dampers (see above)
  2. Rear axle (De Dion tube)
  3. Front axle – See Front Springs
  4. Rear leaf springs
  5. Tyres
  6. Wheels

Leaf Springs

The leaf springs are mounted in Silent-Bloc bushes, one at the front and two at the rear. The 9 steel leaves are separated by rubber interleaves.


Spring specifications are as follows, adapted from Sketch 283I (23.3.59)

Diagram showing a leaf spring suspension system, with measurements labeled.
Table of rear spring specifications for various car chassis, with part numbers, static load, and distance measurements.
Exploded diagram of a leaf spring suspension system, showing multiple parts and assembly.

From Ref.6 Tav.54 SII

De Dion Tube and Panhard Rod

The De Dion tube or rear axle and the Panhard rod or reaction bar, are shown below with dimensions

Technical drawing of a rear axle, with dimensions and part labels.

From AST Sketch 283 I 23.3.59

Exploded diagram of a vehicle suspension system with various labeled components.

From Ref.6 Tav. 53 SII

Table: Parts with notes, including two silver dice, a specific passer, and a perfardant.
Diagram of a car's rear axle with a modified reaction bar. Shows the De Dion rear axle and the bar's location.

Front of Car

To fit modified Panhard Rod B12-0365/1R


The figure below shows the modified rod in place. Note that the convex side of the rod should be turned towards the rear of the vehicle (the original rod is straight as shown in Tav.53 above).



The modified rod should be adjusted to the same length as the old type, which was removed. For the exact adjustment refer to Sketch 283 above, so that the attitude of the rear axle is as shown when the rear springs are under static load.



Telescopic Damper or Shock Absorber

B12, B22, B20 Series 4 & B24 Spider

Exploded diagram of a mechanical device, showing various cylindrical and conical components.

From Ref.6 Series II Tav.55


B20 Series 5 & 6, B24S Convertible

Exploded view diagram of a mechanical device, likely a shock absorber, showing its disassembled components.

From Ref.6 Series II Tav.55 bis


The following types of damper were fitted, earlier types being adjustable. They were manufactured by SABIF.

Data table for dampers, listing models, part numbers, stroke lengths, strokes per minute, compression and expansion loads.