1st Concours d'élégance Paleis Het Loo 1999

The Lambda model of Italian manufacturer Lancia was a milestone in car history and meant world fame for the company. The car appeared in 1922 and incorporated such novelties as self-supporting bodywork, independent front suspension and a 4-cylinder engine in V-form with overhead camshafts.
The Lambda was built until 1934 in nine series, altogether good for 23,501 produced cars. The monocoque-like body construction made it rather odd-looking compared to its contemporaries with its stretched and boxy low-slung lines.
Lancia's first series of Lambdas, like you see on the picture, had 2120 cc V4 engines that put out 49 hp @ 3250 rpm; maximum speed was about 114 kph. In the ninth and last series of Lambdas this engine had been developed into a 2570 cc, 69 hp unit. Lambdas are strikingly valuable nowadays, seemingly regardless of the relatively high number of cars produced. In good condition they'll cost as much as a new big Mercedes.

The Lancia Astura was built between 1931 and 1939 and was ranged at the top end of the market. Its more conventional chassis was often fitted with exquisite bodywork designed and built by the leading coach builders of the day.
Power came from a 2972 cc V8 engine that produced 82 hp @ 4000 rpm and was quite sporty by nature. Top speed wasn't impressive though; it squeezed out a meager 130 kph because the car was rather on the heavy side (about 1800 kg).
The 1932 Lancia Astura shown here has exemplary coupé bodywork by Pinin Farina, an understated and well-balanced design.

Another Lancia Astura, this time with exuberant open tourer bodywork designed by Mario Revelli di Beaumont and built by Castagna on the long chassis. This wonderfully elegant car owned by G. Lamperti from Italy won the Best of Show award. Amongst its remarkable styling features is its separated front and rear seating arrangement, reminiscent of the double phaeton style often seen on American cars from that era.
Lancia Asturas with custom bodywork can be quite valuable these days. Production was limited, only about 500 Asturas have been made.

Of a completely different nature is this 1955 Lancia D25 from the factory's own museum. This is a full-blooded racing car meant for competing with Ferraris and Jaguars on the European circuits. This unique works car was only entered in one race, just before Lancia decided to make the switch from GT racing to Formula 1.
It's quite hard to find information about this car. It derived from the D23 and D24 sports cars, which were competition versions of the popular Lancia Aurelia GT model. The D25 had a 3 litre V6 engine with compressor, the 2-seater bodywork was built by Pinin Farina.

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