59 bhp, 2,370 cc V-4 engine, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, rear suspension via live axle and semi-elliptical leaf springs, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 3,420 mm

• Revolutionary Lancia monocoque design

• Fully restored by specialists

• Perfect event car, eligible for Mille Miglia

Few automakers possess as storied and innovative a history as Lancia, the Turinese automaker started by Vincenzo Lancia in late November 1906. Sig. Lancia got his start by working as an inspector for Fiat and, later, as a successful racing car driver. His dream, however, was to create a line of groundbreaking cars that would excel both on the road and track. What he envisioned eventually became the steel monocoque, now known today as unibody construction and used in almost every modern production car. In an era where every vehicle was of heavy body-on-frame design, to say that Lancia’s monocoque design was revolutionary is an understatement.

The 7th Series Lambda was introduced in May 1926 and continued the policy of gradual improvement seen in previous series. It was built on two wheelbase lengths, the Tipo 216/217 long chassis or the shorter Tipo 218/219 Corta model (the numbers denoting torpedo or saloon coachwork respectively). Obvious external identifying features from earlier series included smaller doors and a distinctive boot-lid design. Internally, the most significant change was the introduction of the Tipo 78 engine. The upgraded 2,370-cc V-4 engine produces 59 horsepower and several features to improve refinement and reliability. This engine went on to power all the following series of Lambdas, including, in more highly tuned form, those that competed so successfully for the factory in races such as the Mille Miglia from 1928.

This particular car was discovered in 1960 in complete but dismantled condition by Lancia enthusiast John Davies of Perth, Western Australia. In 1976 Mr. Davies sold the car to Walter Hunter, also in Western Australia, who carried out a rebuild to get the car into running condition. In 1993 John Davies re-purchased the car and decided to commission a comprehensive and total restoration. The person chosen to carry out this work was renowned Lambda expert Richard Furlong of Castlemaine, Victoria. Mr. Davies was familiar with his exploits in driving one of his own Lambdas from London to Australia in 1988. The ensuing works covered every aspect of the car: chassis, suspension, steering, brakes, engine, gearbox, axle, body, electrics and trim. Once completed in 1995, the car made its post-restoration debut in that year’s biennial Lancia Register Castlemaine Rally. Photographs from the event plus other Club rallies can be found in the car’s history file, along with photographs of the car pre-restoration and of the ongoing works. The car continued to be used sparingly by Mr. Davies before being sold to a prominent Californian collection in 2004.

Having seen limited use since its comprehensive restoration, this Lambda remains in excellent condition throughout and is ready to embark on a wide range of tours and events to which these outstandingly capable cars are ideally suited, including of course the Mille Miglia.

Please note, this beautiful Lambda comes with all EU taxes paid and an MOT, ready to be UK registered.