1925' Lancia Lambda

A highly original and correct example
1925 Lancia Lambda 4th-Series Torpedo Tourer
Chassis No. 12282
Engine No. 2274
Registration No. CY 8115

A technical masterpiece, the Lancia Lambda incorporates a stress-bearing body, sliding pillar independent front suspension and a V4 engine with the carburettor and inlet manifold mounted at the rear of the cylinder head. Combined with a left-hand gear change, a right-foot accelerator pedal and central brake pedal one would be forgiven for thinking that the Lambda was not a 1920s design but one much more recent. Quirky they may be, but in reality the combination works superbly allowing for the driver to sit low in the car and enjoy road holding and comfort that surpasses many motorcars of the 1960s.

A superb example of a 4th-Series Lambda Torpedo Tourer, the example offered for sale here, registered CY 8115, is surely one of the most original and beautifully conserved examples extant. The ownership history of ‘CY 8115’ dates back to 1936 when it was owned by a Alfonso Roger Castiglione. A young architectural student at Cambridge, it is thought that Castiglione had brought the Lambda with him from Italy. Ownership of ‘CY 8115’ was retained until 1958 when it was wrestled from Mr. Castiglione by Dr. Richard Hills. ‘CY 8115 ‘ remained in Dr. Hills’ tenureship until 2011. During his ownership ‘CY 8115’ was used as daily transport until 1965 and was regularly maintained and mechanically restored. Works carried out over a fifty year period are all recorded in notebooks contained within the extensive history file offered with the car and are, understandably, too extensive to list in detail here. More recent works included and extensive engine overhaul and work carried out to the transmission system. Crucially Dr. Hill, a hugely capable engineer and knowledgeable member of the Lambda fraternity managed to keep ‘CY 8115’ in good original condition whilst retaining mechanical integrity. Indeed it is rare to find such an original car that drives so well.

Since 2011 ‘CY 8115’ has been treated to a minor, but carefully thought out and detailed cosmetic works as well as mechanical maintenence by Lambda guru, Nick Benwell at the Phoenix Green Garage in Hartley Witney. Details of the work carried out are on file. The current custodian is raising funds for his daughter to purchase a property and, after careful consideration, has decided that it is probably more correct to offer his car rather than his daughter for sale! A collector of considerable experience, he has stated that it is the vintage car he has most enjoyed owning and driving in over 40 years of involvement in the hobby.

It should be noted that ‘CY 8115’ is an exceptionally original example and retains some wonderful features such as the wooden fan blade, a good deal of the original upholstery, its original instrument panel, raked windscreen and the original tool boxes (part complete) under the driver and passenger seats – to list but a few. The history file is extensive and contains the aforementioned invoices and notes, the buff logbook. Handbooks and service manuals. The car is eligible for top flight events such as the Mille Miglia as well as the plethora of events and socials organized but The Sliding Pillar Club – one of the most active old car clubs in the world. Furthermore it would be a welcome addition on the centenary tour to Italy.

Close inspection is recommended and welcomed by appointment.