The 35 horsepower Lancia Theta replaced the smaller Epsilon in 1913 and was an instant success for the Lancia Company, selling in large numbers for over five years. It was one of the first Lancia models to demonstrate Vincenzo's innovative designs. A new electrical system for the lighting was incorporated, and for the first time on a European car, no starting handle was needed. Steel rims were also available for the first time. It was in 1915 that Lancia patented the first of his narrow-angle V-configuration engines that would make the company famous in later years. Coachwork was available in several styles, including this unusual spider design.