Lambda (1927)
The Lambda was groundbreaking and radical. There was unitary construction when most other cars were ladder-framed with a coach-built body. It had independent front suspension and all-round brakes – as well as a highly sophisticated V4 engine. A milestone in automotive engineering.
Aprilia (1938)
The Aprilia was the ultimate small car of the pre-war period. Its pillarless, teardrop shape was honed in a wind tunnel giving it a drag co-efficient of 0:47 – with five people seated comfortably. This was an incomparable benchmark in refinement and stylish spec.
Aurelia B20 GT (1951)
This was a car that changed perceptions; truly beautiful design from Boana, high end build quality by Pininfarina and the first production V6. A GT as at home in the paddock as on the piazza. Only bested by a sole Ferrari in the ’51 Mille Miglia, 1-2-3 finish at the ’52 Targa Florio and class wins everywhere from the Panamerica to Le Mans.
Lancia Flaminia Touring GT 3c (1958)
With an alloy V6 engine and lightweight Superleggera coachwork by Touring, this car has the same build style, and was a contemporary of, the Aston Martin DB4 GT. Stylish and swift, the choice of the young Riviera jet set in the early sixties, yet is a tenth of the price of a DB4 today.
Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato Competizione
Take the already exquisite Fulvia Coupe and clothe it in lightweight, aerodynamically sculpted alloy from the mind of Zagato design genius Ercole Spada and then add lightness by honeycombing everything. Targa Florio, Daytona and Sebring regulars these 1.3 firebrands were a potent force on the Italian road race scene. The standard road car is an undervalued entry ticket into the world of hand-built Zagato exotica.
Lancia Stratos 1972
1972 – 74. Ferrari engined short wheelbase rally car that looks as good as it goes. Gandini styled wedge that perfectly married form and function, with three consecutive World Rally titles. Iconic in Alitalia green, white and red.
Lancia 037 Stradale (1982)
The car the Montecarlo should have been. This homologation model was available in any colour, as long as it was red. Just over 200 of these Pininfarina styled, mid-engined rockets were produced, 0-60 in under 6 seconds, the road-going version of the insane 037 rally beast.
Images: Lancia Press