Researching Vincenzo Lancia

Vincenzo Lancia was born in the small village of Fobello on 24 August 1881, close to Turin; his family tree starts in Fabello around 1550. He was the youngest of four children (one sister and two brothers), his father being a soup canner who made his money in Argentina before returning to Turin to start his business. From an early age, Vincenzo showed a gift with numbers, and it was intended for him to become a bookkeeper, but developed an interest in machinery and engineering, and was fascinated with the new motor car.

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 at 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).

His first car was built in 1907 - the 12 hp Alfa, which included much of the technology now taken for granted, and he produced groundbreaking models such as the Lambda and the Aprilia.In 1930, with Gaspare Bona, Battista Farina called Pinin, Giovanni Battista Devalle, Pietro Monateri, Arrigo De Angeli founded the Pininfarina.
He died from a heart attack on 15 February 1937 just before the Aprilia was put into full production. He was 55 years old, and he lies buried at Fobello. His wife Adele Miglietti and their son Gianni Lancia continued the management of the car manufacturer (1937–1955).