Vincenzo Lancia was a successful Grand Prix driver for FIAT before founding his own car brand in 1906. Mechanical refinement was a core value from the very first model, the Alpha.
Lancia secured its place in automotive history with the introduction of the Lambda in 1922, widely recognized as the first car with a monocoque (self-supporting) body. It also featured several other innovations, including an original independent front suspension.
This new construction method made it possible to build a low and lightweight car that was far ahead of its time and is often regarded by experts as the first modern automobile.
In 1937, another milestone followed with the revolutionary Aprilia, a relatively compact saloon featuring advanced engineering and outstanding road manners. In 1950, Lancia once again made history with the Aurelia, the world’s first production car powered by a V6 engine.
Initially available only as a four-door saloon, it was soon joined by the B20 Coupé, which went down in history as the first Gran Turismo and became the favorite car of Grand Prix drivers in the 1950s.
During this period, Lancia also enjoyed notable motorsport success, including a victory at the Monte Carlo Rally with the Aurelia and at the 1954 Mille Miglia with the D24.
Lancia’s ambitions reached even further with the introduction of the D50 Formula 1 car at the end of 1954. Advanced and fast, it was unfortunately often too fragile to finish races. These extensive sporting efforts, combined with the production of technically outstanding but expensive cars, led to the company’s takeover in 1955.
The Formula 1 team was transferred to Ferrari, partly through the mediation of Giovanni Agnelli, and went on to win the 1956 World Championship with the Lancia-Ferrari D50, the only time Ferrari claimed the title with a chassis and engine it had not developed itself.
International sporting success returned from the late 1960s onward with the Fulvia, followed by legendary World Rally Championship triumphs with the Stratos, 037, and above all the iconic Delta, still the most successful model in WRC history.
From 27 February to 19 April 2026, around twelve of these legendary models will be on display at Autoworld.