THE LATE CAV. VICENZO LANCIA

THE LATE CAV. VICENZO LANCIA

Cav. Vieenzo Lancia, who has died at

the age of fifty-seven, after making famous cars for thirty years, lived long enough to see the beginning of universal adoption -of independent suspension, of which he was a pioneer. In 1902 Lancia was a tester with the Fiat Company. In 1907 Vaccarossi, of the Michelin Tyre Co. and Fogolin, of Fiats, formed a separate company and the 15 h.p. Lancia made its clA but at Brussels and Turin in 1908. In 1921 Lancia introduced his famous V four-cylinder Lambda model, with coil spring independent front suspension and chassis .and body formed as one unit. This model was continued for many years, gradually being improved, and it is still the pride and rapture of many English sportsmen. Although its engine design is unsuited to tuning for high revs, it has competed successfully in trials and other events. just after the War the big V8 Lancia Trikappa was recognised over here as one of the better luxury cars. More recently we have had the V8 Dilambda and Astura and the little Augusta, and, at the last Olympia, the alloy-engined I.3-litre Aprilia with full independent suspension. A new baby Lancia, to combat the 570 c.c. class, is expected soon. Lauda was in the early days a well known racing driver. He competed in

the Gordon Bennett races in 1904 and 1905, was first in the 1904 Florio Cup, third in the 1905 Florio Cup, fourth in the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup, fifth in the very first Grand Prix in 1906, second in the 1907 Targa Florio, first in the 1907 Kaiserpreis eliminating race and second in the 1908 Targa Florio, with Fiat cars.

Lancia had a wide knowledge of many subjects, particularly history and photography. He leaves a widow and three children, to whom will be extended the sympathy of all English enthusiasts who regard a car as something more than mere transport, as well as that of many ordinary motorists, for the Lancia is II very respected marque.