Miguel Sánchez
Without a doubt, Lancia has been one of the most innovative brands in the entire history of motorsports. Characterized by combining the elegant with the sporty, it has always opted for a daring technological development. In this way, We do not understand the definition of the current GT without the analysis of the Aurelia B20. But neither is that of the designs born by and for dirt tracks without the Lancia Stratos. Neither more nor less than the first model born expressly to compete in the World Rally Championship. Furthermore, going further back in time we find the Flavia – the first Italian model with front-wheel drive – or the patent for an elastic mounting for the engine in 1931.
As it is, letting Lancia fall into oblivion would have been a very clumsy decision on Stellantis's part. The conglomerate where FIAT's interests are located. Owner of this historic brand founded in 1906 since, in 1969, the Italian state favored its purchase in order to protect it from Ford. Likewise, all the rumors announcing a resurrection of the brand in an electric key have finally been confirmed. What's more, just a few hours ago the new logo was just made public and even an experimental design where main lines are advanced at the style level.
With all this, this year is being the definitive rescue of Lancia in the face of changing times. A piece of news that is accompanied by what is possibly the most iconic technological anniversary in the history of the brand: the centenary of the presentation of the Lancia Lambda at the 1922 Paris Salon. A fundamental milestone not only for the Italian industry. But also for the complete evolution of global automotive design. Not surprisingly, this model introduced the world to the concept of a self-supporting body. One of the innovations that has changed the automotive industry the most in its entire history.
FROM THE SEA TO THE ROADS, THE BODY OF THE LANCIA LAMBDA
As is well known, many of the cars served before the Second World War were sold without clothing. In this way, the manufacturer served the bare chassis together with the mechanics, delegating the completion of the model to a bodybuilder. Something especially common in the high range, thus serving the creation of a multitude of unique pieces on Rolls-Royce, Isotta Fraschini or Hispanic-Suiza. However, beyond the logistical and commercial problems, this work option represented not a few technical problems.
Not surprisingly, the chassis of spars left much to be desired in terms of stability. In addition, their rigidity was not the most desirable. Even less with the enormous and heavy bodies that they had to support, dangerously raising the center of gravity as well as compromising torsional rigidity. With all that, Vincenzo Lancia was increasingly concerned with taking a leap forward when integrating the bodywork with the chassis. But how?
Curiously, the answer came from the sea. Specifically, in the form and manner in which the hull of a ship works, giving a rigid and unitary base to the whole. From here, he transferred his first insights to Battista Falchetto, the most representative engineer at Lancia during its early years. At this point, in 1918 they finally filed their first patent application in relation to a new type of automobile design. Thus, in a concrete way, the concept of self-supporting bodywork was born. One of the most widespread in history thanks to integrating, in a single solid element, the chassis with the basic elements of the vehicle body.
ONE OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE DESIGNS IN AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY
With a very low and aerodynamic appearance, in 1921 the first prototype of the Lancia Lambda appeared. Personally tested by the founder of the brand through long mountain routes, it achieved a fairly low center of gravity thanks to placing the seats next to and not on the transmission tunnel. Also, in order to improve in terms of weight and inertia, opted for a compact mechanics with a narrow-angle V4 and 2.1-liter displacement. All this to deliver 49CV at 3.250 revolutions per minute with a top of 110 kilometers per hour.
Likewise, the Lancia Lambda improved a lot in terms of torsional rigidity compared to its predecessors. In fact, part of the merit goes to it, indirectly, by incorporating the trunk into the bodywork itself instead of continuing to opt for a free-standing box bolted to the rear of the vehicle. In this way, this became a structural element more. Next to the firewall that separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment and the bulkhead where the front seats rest. All of them placed transversely to add rigidity to the whole, as in a boat they can make the ribs.
Thus, the Lancia Lambda was not only the first mass-produced car with a self-supporting body. But also an excellent step forward in dynamic behaviour. In fact, even though it is a vehicle with a traveling vocation, its poise and lightness made it a surprisingly common on the starting grid of races like the first Mille Miglia. In addition, his innovations were not only in this. Far from it, he also incorporated an independent front suspension system. Much more advanced than the rigid axle with leaf springs mounted on the 1919 Lancia Kappa.
From now on, its evolution was constant through up to nine series producing more than 13.000 units until 1931. The year in which the high-end clientele already had, since 1928, the Dilambda fully available. An improved version that, with its 8-cylinder, four-liter engine, delivered almost twice the power of the Lancia Lambda. Of course, the innovations introduced by this centenary model not only forever changed the history of the brand, but also that of all motorsports. Possibly the greatest technological milestone in the history of Lancia. A brand that, happily, will continue to bring us news very soon.
Photographs: FCA Heritage / RM Sotheby's
