History of the Lancia car brand
The Lancia brand has always been considered the most controversial. In some ways, the cars were significantly superior to the cars of competitors, and in others they were much inferior to them. We can only say for sure that they never left people indifferent, despite strong disagreements. This legendary brand has experienced strong ups and downs as well, but has managed to maintain a good reputation and respected status. Lancia is currently producing only one model, which is a consequence of declining interest in the company and a serious economic crisis, due to which the company suffered serious losses.
Yet her reputation was guaranteed by the old models released during the heyday of the brand. They still generate more interest than more modern models, which is why Lancia becomes history every year. And, perhaps, it is for the best that motorists do not lose respect for the brand and its long development path in this market. After all, it is important to stop on time, and not be left without the opportunity to meet the expectations of all fans of Lancia and its legendary cars.
Founder
The founder of Lancia Automobiles SpA is Italian engineer and racer Vincenzo Lancia. He was born into an ordinary family and was the youngest boy of 4 children. From early childhood, he took a special interest in mathematics and was interested in technology. Parents believed that Vincenzo would definitely become an accountant, and he himself paid attention to such work. But very quickly, the first cars of the second half of the XNUMXth century became an important hobby for him. Vincenzo became a student of Giovanni Battista Seirano, who later founded Fiat and contributed to the creation of Lancia. True, he returned to work as an accountant from time to time.
When Lancia turned 19, he was named Fiat's test driver and inspector. He coped with his duties flawlessly, gaining invaluable practical experience, which helped to establish his own brand. Soon Vincenzo became a racer: in 1900 he won the First French Grand Prix in a Fiat car. Even then, he became a respected person, so the creation of a separate factory was not a spontaneous decision. On the contrary, it fueled interest: motorists were looking forward to new models with great impatience.
In 1906, the racer and engineer founded his own company, Fabbrica Automobili Lancia, with the support of fellow Claudio Forjolin. Together they acquired a small plant in Turin, where they were engaged in the development of future cars. The first model was named 18-24 HP, and by the standards of those times it could be called revolutionary. However, Lancia soon listened to his brother's advice and began to call the cars letters of the Greek alphabet for the convenience of buyers. Engineers and designers have implemented the best technologies and advanced developments in the car, on which they have been working for one year.
Within several years, Fabbrica Automobili Lancia produced 3 cars, after which the company switched to the production of trucks and armored vehicles. The war years made their own adjustments, the confrontation between states required changes. Then, thanks to painstaking work, innovative engines were made, which had a considerable development in the automotive industry.
After the end of hostilities, the production area increased significantly - the armed conflict helped the development of a new company at that time. Already in 1921, the company released the first model with a monocoque body - then it became one of a kind. The model also had independent suspension, which increased sales and made it history.
The next Astura model used a patented mechanism that allows the frame and engine to be coupled. Thanks to this new technology, vibrations were not felt in the cabin, so travel became as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, even on bumpy roads. The next car was also unique at the time - the Aurelia used a 6-cylinder V-engine. Back then, many designers and engineers mistakenly believed it could not be balanced, but Lancia proved otherwise.
In 1969, company executives sold a controlling stake in Fiat. Despite joining another firm, Lancia developed all models as a separate company and did not depend on the new owner in any way. During this time, several more noteworthy cars came out, but since 2015 the number of cars produced has gradually decreased, and now the company only produces Lancia Ypsilon for Italian buyers. In recent years, the brand has suffered considerable losses - about 700 million euros, so the management felt that it was impossible to restore the brand's previous status.
Emblem
In 1907, when the company first started its work, it did not have its own logo. The car bore a neat "Lancia" lettering without unnecessary details. Already in 1911, thanks to Count Carl Biscaretti di Ruffia, a close friend of Vincenzo Lancia, the first logo appeared. It was a 4-spoke steering wheel against a blue flag. The flagpole for him was a schematic picture of a spear, since this is how the name of the company is translated from Italian. Nearby, on the right side, was the image of the throttle grip on the right, and in the center was already the name of the Lancia brand. By the way, the company maintains such a neat font to this day.
In 1929, Count Carl Biscaretti di Ruffia wanted to make some adjustments to the design of the emblem. He placed the same circular logo on the background of the shield, and since then the logo has remained that way for many years.
In 1957, the emblem was changed again. The spokes were removed from the steering wheel, and the logo itself lost its colors. According to the designers, this way it looked more stylish and modern.
In 1974, the question of changing the logo was again relevant. The steering wheel spokes and deep blue color were returned to him, but the images of other elements themselves were greatly simplified to schematic minimalistic pictures.
In 2000, special chrome elements were added to the Lancia logo, thanks to which the emblem looked three-dimensional even in two-dimensional images.
The last time the logo was changed was in 2007: then specialists from Robilant Associati were working on it. As part of a serious rebranding, the wheel was painted clearly graphically, again removing 2 spokes, and the rest served as a "pointer" around the Lancia brand name. True, brand lovers did not appreciate the fact that now the logo did not have the beloved spear and flag on the logo.
Vehicle history in models
The very first model was given the working title of 18-24 HP, and then it was renamed Alpha. It came out in 1907 and was developed in just a year. It used a propeller shaft instead of a chain, and one of the first 6-cylinder engines was also introduced.
On the basis of the first successful car, another model was created called Dialpha, it came out in 1908 with the same characteristics.
In 1913, the Theta machine appears. She became one of the most reliable cars of the time.
In 1921, the Lambda was released. Its features were independent suspension and monocoque body, at that time the car was one of the first of its kind.
In 1937, the Aprilia rolled off the assembly line - the last model, in the development of which Vincenzo Lancia himself was directly involved. The design of the car was somewhat reminiscent of the May beetle, which was later recognized as the unique and inimitable style of the founder of the company.
Aprilia was replaced by Aurelia - the car was first shown in Turin in 1950. Vittorio Jano, one of the best craftsmen of his time, took part in the development of the new model. Then a new engine was installed in the car, made of aluminum alloys.
In 1972, another model appeared on the market - Lancia Beta, in which engines were installed two camshafts. At the same time, the Stratos rally was also released - the racers have won prizes at the wheel more than once during a 24-hour ride at Le Mans.
In 1984, the new Lancia Thema sedan rolled off the assembly line. It is in demand even today, because even in those days, air conditioning, climate control and information boards were installed in the car, which displayed information about the technical condition of the car. Thema's design is a bit outdated, but car enthusiasts note that the car is made very solidly, considering that it was released in 1984.
Already in 1989, the Lancia Dedra was introduced, a sedan that was classified as a premium class. Then the sports car made a splash thanks to the technical component and thoughtful design.
In 1994, with the joint efforts of Peugeot, FIAT and Citroen, the Lancia Zeta station wagon appeared, soon the world saw Lancia Kappa, Lancia Y, Lancia Thesis and Lancia Phedra. Cars did not gain much popularity, so over time, the number of models presented became less and less. Since 2017, the company has produced only one Lancia Ypsilon, and that one is exclusively focused on the Italian market. The company suffered considerable losses due to the economic crisis and a sharp decline in interest in the cars produced, so the FIAT company decided to gradually reduce the number of models, and soon completely close the brand.
