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Peter Giddings Racing

1928 Lancia Lambda, chassis number 20908

Vincenzo Lancia was an Italian pilot, mechanic, designer, engineer, race car driver, and finally an automobile manufacturer. Vincenzo Lancia became an employee of F.I.A.T. on the formation of the company in 1899. His initial role was as test-driver, in which capacity he displayed outstanding driving ability. This led to his promotion to what would later be known as "Works Driver". As such, he drove for F.I.A.T. in events like the Gordon Bennett races, the infamous Paris - Madrid Race of 1903 and two Vanderbilt Cup races in the USA. While out-right victories tended to elude Vincenzo (blocked fuel pipe, 1904 Gordon Bennett; stone-damaged radiator, 1905 Gordon Bennett; broken valve gear, 1908 French G.P.), he was noted for often achieving the fastest lap time. (1905 Gordon Bennett; 1905 Vanderbilt Cup; 1906 Coupe de Auto; 1908 Florio Cup). One event he did win for F.I.A.T was the 1904 Florio Cup, a two-lap road race between Brescia, Cremona and Mantua starting and finishing at Brescia, later to become well known as the Start/Finish of the Mille Miglia. The two laps involved 370 Km, which Vincenzo covered in 3 hours, 9 minutes and 56 seconds, recording an average speed of 115.7 kph, or 71.88 MPH.

Lancia Automobiles S.p.A. was founded in 1906 in Torino, Italy, by Fiat racing drivers Vincenzo Lancia and Claudio Fogolin. The first Lancia cars were produced in 1908. In 1922, Lancia began production of the Lancia Lambda, a milestone in the development of the automobile. It was the first car to feature a load-bearing monocoque-type body although it was an open car. Vincenzo Lancia conceived the design for the Lambda after considering ship design and the strength that the ship's hull must have to withstand the ocean waves. The Lambda was based around a steel monocoque which did not need a heavy frame. Much of the body's strength came from the driveshaft tunnel which formed a lightweight backbone for the car. This also allowed the passengers to seat beside the tunnel which gave a lower center of gravity. Typically other cars of this time had the floor and thus the occupants above the driveshaft which made the car's center of gravity much higher.

In addition to the revolutionary body, the Lambda also had independent front suspension with an outstanding tight turning circle better than a London taxi and a sliding pillar with coil springs with a Lancia-invented telescopic shock absorber.The rear suspension was by semi-elliptic springs and friction dampers. The Lambda also had very effective four-wheel brakes which were operated by rods and levers. The innovative engine was a narrow-angle single overhead cam aluminum V4, initially of 2121 cc. The Lambda was a driver's car and became known for its road handling, spacious interior and light weight. Lancia eventually prepared a Mille Miglia (MM) version which was raced with good success in the Mille Miglia and other road races.

Lancia Lambda chassis number 20908, engine number 10842, is an 8th series car, produced in 1928. In 1928, three new 8th series 221 short wheelbase chassis were prepared and entered in the Mille Miglia. These cars had separate frame construction and aluminum Casaro bodies. None of the three original 1928 factory cars still exist.

Lancia Lambda #20908 was originally commissioned from Donald Wright by Queens Counsel Lynton Morris. This car is built on a correct 8th series 221 chassis, using original Lambda components throughout, with the engine having been fitted with a 3-liter "Wright" cylinder block. The replica Casaro aluminum MM body was built by Brian Hawke using projected images to create accurate profiles of the original lines of the MM cars. Most cars of the 1920's feel old, but despite its "old-fashioned" traditional appearance, a properly maintained Lancia Lambda feels and drives like a much more modern car and is able to deal with modern traffic.

The Lancia Lambda is now with a new owner.

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Aussie Rally

Peter rallying his Lancia Lambda in Australia.

Lambda in Shop

Lancia Lambda in Peter's garage.

Rear View

Rear view of the Lancia Lambda. Alfa Romeo Tipo C "hiding" in front of Lancia.

Lambda side view

The Lambda is ready to go for a drive!

On a Wet Track

Peter racing his Mille Miglia Lambda to the Australian GP 2007.

Wet Track

The Lambda does well in the wet!

Lambda Drive

Peter and Miles go for a drive in the Lambda.