Vincenzo Lancia

Vincenzo Lancia
Vincenzo Lancia
Born	Vincenzo Lancia (1881-08-24)24 August 1881 Fobello, Piedmont, Kingdom of Italy
Died	15 February 1937(1937-02-15) (aged 55) Turin, Kingdom of Italy
Occupation(s)	Racing driver, engineer and founder of Lancia
Spouse	Adele Miglietti
Children	Anna Maria Lancia Gianni Lancia Eleonora Lancia

Vincenzo Lancia (24 August 1881 – 15 February 1937) was an

He eventually became an apprentice with Giovanni Battista Ceirano, a bicycle importer in Turin, and he was named bookkeeper in the company's brochure in 1898. He was also developing his skills in engineering, design and construction, and developed patience, perseverance and determination. Soon he could tackle most problems single-handedly.

Once Lancia was sent to help Count Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia, who owned a Benz. When they met in February 1899, they quickly became friends. He was to become important in Lancia's later career and was credited with the design of the now familiar Lancia logo (1911).

Lancia, however, was now chief inspector at Fiat, and was also a test driver, although only 19. His driving impressed the Fiat bosses, and he was invited to drive their cars in races. His first success was in 1900, in Fiat's second race. Lancia led the first lap of first French Grand Prix at Le Mans with a time of 53 minutes 42 seconds. He was an exceptionally fast driver, often the fastest of all, but often suffered a mechanical failure. In 1906, Vincenzo Lancia won the Gold Cup in Milan driving the Fiat 28-40 HP.

His first car was built in 1907 - the

• Lancia Motor Club (UK)
• Vincenzo Lancia (VanderbiltCupRaces.com)