The Lancia Lambda is an innovative automobile produced from 1922 through 1931. It was the first car to feature a load-bearing unitary body, (but without a stressed roof) and it also pioneered the use of an independent suspension (the front sliding pillar with coil springs).[1][2] Vincenzo Lancia even invented a shock absorber for the car and it had excellent four wheel brakes. Approximately 11,200 Lambdas were produced.

Lancia Lambda
Lancia Lambda Torpedo 1923
Overview
ManufacturerLancia
Production1922–1931
Body and chassis
Body styleTorpedo (S.1-S.9)
Berlina (Weymann) (S.8-S.9)
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
Engine2119 cc Lancia V4
2370 cc Lancia V4
2568 cc Lancia V4
Transmission3-speed manual (S.1-S.4)
4-speed manual (S.5-S.9)
Dimensions
Wheelbase310 cm (122.0 in) (S.1-S.9)
342 cm (134.6 in) (S.6-S.9)
Curb weight1,200 kg (2,646 lb)-1,350 kg (2,976 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorLancia Kappa (1919)
SuccessorLancia Artena

Nine versions of the Lambda were built:

  • 1st series, produced 1923, 400 built.
  • 2nd series, produced between 1923 and 1924, 1,100 built. Minor modifications for engine.
  • 3rd series, produced 1924, 800 built. Engine modified.
  • 4th series, produced between 1924 and 1925, 850 built. Modified windscreen.
  • 5th series, produced 1925, 1,050 built. 4-speed gearbox.
  • 6th series, produced between 1925 and 1926, 1,300 built. Car is sold now with bare chassis and with two wheelbases.
  • 7th series, produced between 1926 and 1928, 3,100 built. New bigger engine.
  • 8th series, produced between 1928 and 1930, 3,903 built. Again bigger engine.
  • 9th series, produced 1931, 500 built. Last series sold only bare chassis.

Engines

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The narrow-angle aluminium Lancia V4 engine was also notable. All three displacements shared the same long 120 mm (4.7 in) stroke, and all were SOHC designs with a single camshaft serving both banks of cylinders. The first engine had a 13° V angle, the second 14° and the third 13° 40'.

Model Engine Displacement Power Fuel system
S.1-S.6 V4 SOHC 2121 cc 49 PS (36 kW) at 3250 rpm single carburetor
S.7 V4 SOHC 2375 cc 59 PS (43 kW) at 3250 rpm single carburetor
S.8-S.9 V4 SOHC 2569 cc 69 PS (51 kW) at 3500 rpm single carburetor
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References

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  • Ray Bonds (2003). The Illustrated Directory of Sports Cars. Motorbooks. ISBN 0-7603-1420-9.
  • Lancia by Michael Frostick, 1976. ISBN 0-901564-22-2
  1. ^ "Autos Without Axles Promise Easier Riding" Popular Mechanics, April 1932. Hearst Magazines. April 1932. Retrieved 2015-08-23.
  2. ^ Setright, L. J. K. (1976). "Overdrive". In Ian Ward (ed.). Anatomy of the Motor Car. Orbis. p. 159. ISBN 0-85613-230-6.
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