Fiat race drivers Vincenzo Lancia and Claudio Fogoli founded Lancia Automobiles in 1906. Their first car was the 12 HP Tipo 51. Lancia went on to develop a long and notable history of building distinctive and innovative cars. They can claim many engineering 'firsts', including the first 5-speed gearbox in a production car and the first production V6 engine.

Other innovations involved the use of intendent suspension - at a time when live axles were common practice for both the front and rear. They also pioneered the development of rear transaxles, which were first fitted to the Aurelia and Flaminia. In the early 1950s the jet age was dawning. America was captivated by this new frontier and vehicle designers in the United States and Europe reflected that in their new designs.

The Aurelia was designed by Vittorio Jana as a grand tourer. It introduced the front engine/rear transmission configuration later used by Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, and others, as well as the first production V6 engine. It included inboard rear brakes, to reduce un-sprung weight. Engine size eventually grew from 1.8L to 2.5L. The Aurelia was also the first car to be fitted with radial tires as standard equipment.