ounded by Vin- government had permis- cenzo Lancia in sion from Fiat to build ob- F1906, Lancia was solete Fiat models under largely unknown until licence. These became the 1922 when it introduced infamous Ladas. As part the Lamb- of the deal da, a car the Rus- so ahead sians paid of its in steel, time that which was Lancia used in Fiat was soon company world fa- cars. The mous. steel was of appall- Lan- ing qual- cia (pro- ity and as nounced a result all Larn– Fiat-group chuh,) was also a pioneer LANCIA cars developed a reputa- in aerodynamics in the Official name:Lancia Auto- tion as rustbuckets that mobiles S.p.A. 1930s. The revolutionary persists to this day. Aprilia was the result. Owned by: Fiat Group. Lancia was the big- Current situation: Lancia After World War II never really recovered from gest casualty. After stories Lancia tried to regain its the scandal of rusty vehicles started breaking of Lan- in the 1970s. Lancia remains former glory but, over- in operation mainly because cias rusting even before stretched and facing Fiat has never got around to they were sold, the brand bankruptcy, was taken closing it down, but Lancias these days are simply Fiats was irreparably damaged. over by a group of busi- with different badges, which nessmen. is a pretty sad end for such a Lancia remains in op- famous marque. eration mainly because Lancia still couldn’t Chances of survival: Poor. Fiat has never got around hack it and was taken If things get tough for Fiat, to closing it down, but it is likely that Lancia will be over by Fiat in 1969. simply closed down. Sell- Lancias these days are ing the brand to another car simply Fiats with different company is unlikely, as it The worst indignities would cause great loss of badges, which is a pretty were yet to come. In the face for Fiat, and very little sad end for such a famous mid-1960s, the Russian gain • marque • All content © The Dog & Lemon Guide 2011. All rights reserved.