Description
Among its characteristic features were a transaxle that lowered the center of gravity significantly, a light-weight compact V8 engine with a 90° cylinder angle and four overhead camshafts, and aerodynamically-shaped pannier fuel tanks. To get the drive shaft, which was rotating in concert with the crankshaft revolution, to bypass the driver cabin, the engine was tilted off the longitudinal axis by 12° to the left. The gearbox was mounted transversally just in front of the de Dion rear axle.
Lancia´s ambitious Formula One project soon caught the attention of big shots in the racing world. Alberto Ascari, a two-time world champion from the years before signed to drive for Lancia. Luigi Villoresi, another outstanding driver, joined the Lancia team. In 1955, more well-known pilots were added to the team, including Eugenio Castellotti.
On Oct. 24, 1954, the Lancia D50 made its debut at the last event of the racing season – the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Alberto Ascari took pole position in qualifying and accomplished the fastest race lap with 2.18 min, but a clutch failure forced him to retire in the 9th of the 80 laps.
No other Lancia had ever caused such an emotional stir in competition and among the public, not to mention its lasting impact on the company’s fortunes. With the demise of Alberto Ascari shortly afterwards, the costs from the development of the D50 and the pursuit of victories in prestigious Grand Prix racing proved to be too much for Gianni Lancia to bear.
The racing team, together with the D50 fleet, was handed over to Enzo Ferrari in 1955, and Lancia’s motorsport activities were discontinued for almost a decade.
This spectacular model pf the D50 from CMC is hand built from 1,598 parts. these include a detachable and lockable bonnet, a hinged adjustable screen, a realistic replica of the V8 engine complete with pipes and cabling, metal exhaust pipes, triangular steering axle with shock absorbers, front suspension with wishbones, transverse leaf spring, all made of metal. There is also a highly-detailed replication of the cooling system and fuel and oil system.
The driver’s seat and head rest are leather upholstered and it has perfectly-crafted wheels with stainless-steel spokes and nipples on an alloy rim. All complete with authentically-replicated central locking nuts with right-/left-handed threads.
Scale 1:18