1925 Lancia Lambda 5th Series Roadster

Vincenzo Lancia's Lambda was incredibly advanced for 1925. The Lambda was one of the first cars to be built with an all-steel monocoque body, a V4 overhead-cam alloy engine, and a fully independent front suspension. Without a separate chassis, very few Lambdas received custom coachwork, but this car, bodied by Carrozzeria Casaro, was an exception. The 5th series Lambda left the Lancia factory with a factory-built 'torpedo' body and was delivered to Casaro in Turin. Six inches were added to the cowl, and the front doors and seats were moved accordingly. The rear doors were removed, and a rumble seat was added for occasional rear passengers. Finally, Casaro added the sweeping fenders. The car was initially owned by members of the Lipton Tea family of San Diego. It was once believed to have been owned by the actress Gloria Swanson - but, in any case, it was definitely owned by Twentieth Century Fox, so Swanson may well have driven it back in the day. The car appeared in at least six movies, including The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, before being sold to Bill Harrah. Its current owner bought the car in 1986, and it has undergone an extensive restoration in recent years.