Lancia

The Lancia Automobiles brand that we know today actually didn’t exist until 2007. What’s extremely interesting, however is that this vehicle brand has its roots based just over a century before that in 1906. Two men, Vincenzo Lancia and Claudio Fogolin, created Lancia & C. — they were professional race car drivers with a passion for automobiles who wanted to create their dream vehicles.

For decades, Lancia & C. were producing marvelous vehicles like the Theta, Lambda, Aurelia, and so many more that introduced countless innovations to the automotive industry. While also setting standards for class and style, Lancia & C. made automotive history by introducing advancements such as standardized complete electrical systems in Europe, monocoque chassis, the iconic “Sliding Pillar” front-end suspension, and so much more.

In 1969, Fiat bought the company — an action that ultimately saved Lancia, as it was struggling financially. Although the company had been bought-out, Fiat continued to craft incredible automobiles under the Lancia name and in the brand’s spirit. Impressively, these vehicles lived up to the Lancia legacy, becoming renowned for their performance in rally car races — many a Lancia vehicle actually have won the World Rally Championships.

As time progressed, Fiat and Chrysler became Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and through that time Lancia has continued to remain intact. Interestingly enough, Lancias are primarily sold in European markets. You can get Lancia-crafted vehicles in the U.S.; however, they’ll be sold under the Chrysler brand.