Louwman Museum adds special Lancia to collection
Lancia Lambda, a unique car
At issue is a Lancia Lambda Ballon, an innovative, 100-year-old convertible. When introduced, this Italian car was revolutionary. The car was presented in 1922 at the Paris Motor Show. There Lancia also showed an open-topped model.
Vincenzo Lancia
Vincenzo Lancia brought together highly advanced innovations and technology in a single car, with a design by Battista Falchetto. It was clearly a car in which past knowledge was translated into new solutions. The extremely rough Italian roads of the time, for example, had previously caused a leaf spring to break on the front axle of the Lancia Kappa driven by Vincenzo Lancia himself.
Independent front suspension
With that incident in mind, Lancia asked Falchetto to design the new car with a front suspension that could absorb shocks from bumpy terrain better than a rigid axle, by allowing each wheel to rise and fall independently without affecting the opposite wheel. Independent front suspension was a reality.
Front brakes
Not all the innovations on the Lancia Lambda were the brainchild of the brand’s founder. The self-supporting body and independent front suspension did, but Battista Falchetto himself suggested some, such as the use of front brakes. Although Lancia initially doubted this solution, it was convinced by tests it conducted itself.
Personally tested by Mr. Lancia
The first Lancia Lambda prototype was personally tested by Vincenzo Lancia on Sept. 1, 1921, in the company of trusted test driver Luigi Gismondi. The legendary test drive took a climbing route from Turin to the Moncenisio Pass.
Up to 69 hp
In less than nine years, the Lancia Lambda evolved. The car was actually continuously improved, with displacement and engine power increasing to 69 hp with a top speed of 120 mph. The sixth version introduced an extended wheelbase and a third row of seats, paving the way for six-seat versions. A total of about 13,000 Lancia Lambda were produced from late 1922 to 1931.
The Lambda was popular with celebrities such as the actress Greta Garbo. Although the Lancia was not designed as a sports car, it impressed at several editions of the 1000 Miglia.
Lancia Lambda 1st Series – 1922
- Engine: V4 narrow-angle (13°6″), front, longitudinal, SOHC, 2,119 cc
- Power: 49 hp @ 3,250 rpm
- Top speed: 110 km/h
- Weight: 1,225 kilograms
- Bodywork: Torpedo
Long search
The Louwman Museum in The Hague was able to add the Ballon version with removable roof to its collection after a long search. In recent weeks, some visitors to the Louwman Museum got a sneak preview of the newest addition. Now the newcomer is on permanent display at the museum. Lancia Lambda Balloon, an innovative, 100-year-old convertible.
Photos: Louwman Museum Facebook
