| Lancia Lambda | |
|---|---|
 Lancia Lambda Torpedo 1923 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Lancia |
| Production | 1922–1931 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | Torpedo (S.1-S.9) Berlina (Weymann) (S.8-S.9) |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2119 cc Lancia V4 2370 cc Lancia V4 2568 cc Lancia V4 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual (S.1-S.4) 4-speed manual (S.5-S.9) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 310 cm (122.0 in) (S.1-S.9) 342 cm (134.6 in) (S.6-S.9) |
| Curb weight | 1,200 kg (2,646 lb)-1,350 kg (2,976 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Lancia Kappa (1919) |
| Successor | Lancia Artena |
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.
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.
- ^ "Autos Without Axles Promise Easier Riding" Popular Mechanics, April 1932. Hearst Magazines. April 1932. Retrieved 2015-08-23.
- ^ Setright, L. J. K. (1976). "Overdrive". In Ian Ward (ed.). Anatomy of the Motor Car. Orbis. p. 159. ISBN 0-85613-230-6.