c.1931 Lancia Lambda 8th-Series Saloon, Registration no. AGP 602 Chassis no. 21126

* One of the most outstanding automotive designs of all time
* Desirable 2½-litre 8th-Series model
* Restored in the 1980s
* Last driven in 2013

Lancia's first V-engined model - the V8 Trikappa sports car - appeared in 1922 but it was the Lambda, launched soon after, that would prove to be of even greater significance. A milestone in automotive history, the revolutionary Lambda was the world's first car to have a stress-bearing 'monocoque' body and the first to be powered by a V4 engine. The absence of a separate chassis meant that the engine, drive train and driver could by positioned lower, enabling a more aerodynamic body line to be achieved, while Lancia's patented sliding-pillar independent front suspension gave the Lambda ride and handling qualities unmatched by anything in its class. It would remain a feature of Lancia cars well into the 1950s.

The engine, an overhead-camshaft unit of 2,120cc, was progressively enlarged, arriving at its final 2,570cc, 68bhp configuration in 1928. Production of the Lambda lasted from 1923 to 1931 in nine series; this car is one of the sought-after 2,570cc 8th Series (introduced at chassis number '18601' in 1928) which came with a four-speed gearbox and was offered with an separate chassis frame, thus enabling independent coachbuilders to meet the demand for bespoke creations. By the time production ceased in 1931, a total of some 13,000 Lambdas of all types had been made.

One of the last of its kind produced, chassis number '21126' was delivered in March 1932 to Shields Motor Company of Melbourne, Australia but by the following year was in the UK (the registration 'AGP 602' was issued by London County Council in May 1933). In 1986 the Lancia was restored, there being photographs on file of it stripped back to bare aluminium, while subsequent works include an engine rebuild (1994) and an overhaul of the starter motor (1998). Also on file are photographs of 'ABP 602' participating in various events include the Après Holland (1988), the Shuttleworth Rally (1994), and a rally in New Zealand (1995). The car also comes with the 1932 order form, an old-style continuation logbook (1947), some minor invoices, SORN (2015), a V5C Registration Certificate, and a quantity of expired MoTs.

Acquired by Brin Edwards in August 1989 and always maintained by the Collection's in-house mechanic, Brian, the Lambda was last on the road in 2013 (one of its final outings being a rally in Somerset) and will require carefully re-commissioning before returning to the road. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a fine example of one of the most outstanding automotive designs of all time.