If you’re a recurring autoevolution reader, you may remember a story published a little over a week ago, covering what vehicles will be launched by Fiat-Chrysler in the nearest of futures. That slide we used from the 2015 FCA Bank am Bellevue conference lacked but a single marque - Lancia. Dear Sergio Marchionne, is there something you want to say about the legendary carmaker?
Things like “I’m to blame for the reskinned Fiat Panda and Fiat Bravo that never sold well, the reason why Lancia will soon get the boot.” Many reports claim that Lancia will linger on with the Ypsilon only in Italy, a scenario that doesn’t seem right with us, especially if you consider how much Lancia did for the industry.
When talking about Lancia firsts, my first thoughts are the first mass-produced V4 and V6 engines, the first mass-produced five-speed manual transmission, the single block narrow angle engine in a V configuration, the first manufacturer to sell a car with a monocoque body, the electric boot spoiler and the first auto company to use supercharging and turbocharging at the same time on the same motor.
This particular model is production number 124 of 400 special edition units produced to celebrate the HF Integrale’s 5th WRC manufacturers’ championship won. Wearing the most enticing alcoholic beverage sponsor livery of them all, the 210 HP hot hatchback with only 31 miles (50 km) on the clock is heading to auction on February 21st, with Silverstone Auctions estimating it at £110,000 ($166,555) tops.
Top drawer stuff, but these babies will be extremely valuable when Lancia will be gone for good.
When talking about Lancia firsts, my first thoughts are the first mass-produced V4 and V6 engines, the first mass-produced five-speed manual transmission, the single block narrow angle engine in a V configuration, the first manufacturer to sell a car with a monocoque body, the electric boot spoiler and the first auto company to use supercharging and turbocharging at the same time on the same motor.
Lancia is cool like that
With the end of the marque galloping ever nearer, this may be the perfect time to invest and enjoy yourself with a model that made Lancia great - the Delta HF Integrale. Rally-spec models earned Lancia six consecutive WRC manufacturers’ titles and 46 World Championship rally wins. Fun fact: Lancia is still leading everybody in terms of WRC manufacturers’ titles, so go figure how important the Delta's legacy is.This particular model is production number 124 of 400 special edition units produced to celebrate the HF Integrale’s 5th WRC manufacturers’ championship won. Wearing the most enticing alcoholic beverage sponsor livery of them all, the 210 HP hot hatchback with only 31 miles (50 km) on the clock is heading to auction on February 21st, with Silverstone Auctions estimating it at £110,000 ($166,555) tops.
Top drawer stuff, but these babies will be extremely valuable when Lancia will be gone for good.