Lancia is the most successful manufacturer in the history of the World Rally Championship, yet they left the US in shame. Known for brilliant engineering innovation and heartbreaking fragility, Lancia gave the world the Stratos and the Delta Integrale before fading into obscurity. They are the ultimate "tragic hero" of the car world.
Explore the current production vehicles.
The wedge-shaped rally god. The Stratos was the world's first purpose-built rally car, a Bertone-designed masterpiece with a Ferrari Dino V6 heart. It is an icon of 70s design, a World Rally Champion, and a piece of pure automotive drama.
The most dominant rally car in history. The Delta Integrale, especially in its final 'Evo' forms, was a box-flared, all-wheel-drive monster that won six consecutive World Rally Championships. It is the undisputed king of the special stage.
The last rear-wheel-drive car to win the World Rally Championship. The 037 was a beautiful and brutal Group B homologation special, a supercharged, mid-engine beast that represents the pinnacle of analog, driver-focused rally performance. A true legend.
An engineering masterpiece decades ahead of its time. The Aurelia introduced the world's first production V6 engine and a sophisticated rear-mounted transaxle. The B24 Spider America version is widely considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
The small, nimble, and incredibly clever giant-killer. The Fulvia, with its unique narrow-angle V4 engine, was a beautifully engineered coupe that won Lancia's first international rally championship, paving the way for the legends that followed.
The ultimate sleeper: a discreet executive sedan with a Ferrari V8 heart. The '8.32' (8 cylinders, 32 valves) was a true wolf in a cashmere suit, complete with a retractable rear spoiler. A legendary collaboration for the ultimate connoisseur.
The flagship of post-war Lancia luxury and style. The Flaminia was available with stunning, hand-built bodies from Italy's greatest coachbuilders, with the Zagato 'Super Sport' version being the most sought-after and beautiful of them all.
The affordable mid-engine exotic with a Pininfarina design. Known as the Scorpion in the US, this was a sharp-handling, targa-topped sports car that offered a taste of Italian drama and a true junior supercar experience for the enthusiast.
The concept car that looked like it landed from another planet. Barely 33 inches tall, the Stratos Zero was a running, futuristic masterpiece that was so radical, it was the 'audition piece' that won Bertone the contract for the rally legend.
The last surviving Lancia. For decades, the Ypsilon has been a chic and fashionable premium city car, a favorite in its home market of Italy. It is the final, flickering flame of a once-great automotive empire, soon to be reborn in the electric era.
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For most of the 20th century, Lancia (pronounced Lan-cha) was run by engineers, not accountants. They invented the monocoque chassis (1922), the V4 engine, and the 5-speed transmission in a production car. They built cars that were decades ahead of their time.
Unfortunately, they often forgot to make them profitable or waterproof. In the United States, Lancia is remembered for two things: winning every rally race on Earth, and rusting into dust before the warranty expired.
Lancia holds more WRC Manufacturer Championships than any other brand (10 titles). Their lineup is a roll call of legends:
Lancia withdrew from the American market in 1982. Why? The Lancia Beta.
It was revealed that the subframes of the Beta sedans were rusting so badly that the engines were literally falling out of the cars while driving. The scandal was massive. Lancia attempted a recall where they bought back the cars, but the damage to their reputation was terminal. They became a punchline on late-night TV.
One of the weirdest cars Lancia ever made was the Thema 8.32. It looked like a boring, boxy sedan. But under the hood, it had a Ferrari V8 engine (from the 308). It also had a retractable rear spoilerâthe first on a sedan. It was expensive, complicated, and utterly cool.
Since Lancia hasn't sold cars in the US for 40 years, you are looking at the import market.
Driving a Lancia is a statement that you care more about engineering pedigree and driving feel than you do about getting to your destination on time.
As of 2026, Lancia does not have an official retail presence in the United States. Under the Stellantis "Renaissance" plan, the brand is currently focusing on its European comeback, starting with Italy, France, Germany, and Spain. While Lancia aims to become a 100% electric brand by 2028, there have been no official announcements regarding a North American launch for the new Gamma or Ypsilon models.
In 2026, the 25-year import rule is the primary gateway for Lancia enthusiasts in the US. Any Lancia manufactured in 2001 or earlier is now eligible for legal import without needing to meet modern FMVSS requirements. Key models hitting the 2026 eligibility window include:
The 2026 Lancia Gamma is the brand's new flagship, a 100% electric "fastback" measuring approximately 185 inches in length. Built on the STLA Medium platform, it is designed to offer a range of up to 435 miles (700 km). While its sophisticated Italian design appeals to many US collectors, it is currently intended only for the European market as part of Lancia's premium repositioning alongside DS and Alfa Romeo.
While the Lancia Delta Integrale (produced up to 1994) is federally legal to import under the 25-year rule, California residents face stricter requirements. To be road-legal in CA, the vehicle must pass CARB (California Air Resources Board) testing, which often requires significant modifications to the fuel and emissions systems. Many owners in the US choose to register these rally icons in other states or keep them as "off-road" collection pieces in California.
Sourcing parts for classic Lancias in the USA requires a mix of local specialist knowledge and international shipping. For models like the Delta or Fulvia, owners often use specialists such as Scorpion Cars or Vick Autosports.
For modern era cars (1990s-2000s), many mechanical components are shared with Fiat and Alfa Romeo models, allowing owners to use Stellantis parts catalogs. However, unique trim pieces and body panels typically must be imported from Italian heritage suppliers like Cicognani.
Lancia has officially revived the HF (High Fidelity) designation for its high-performance variants starting in 2025/2026. The new Ypsilon HF features a lowered stance, wider track, and over 240 horsepower from its electric powertrain. For American fans of the legendary Stratos or 037, this badge represents a return to Lancia's sporting roots, even as the brand transitions to zero-emissions technology.
Most official Alfa Romeo or Fiat dealerships in the US are not equipped with the specific diagnostic software (such as Examiner or WiTECH with Lancia-specific modules) for older imported models. US owners generally prefer independent shops that specialize in Italian "exotics" or vintage marques, as these technicians often possess the necessary expertise to maintain Lancia's unique engineering, like the V4 engines or the Viscodrive systems.
US owners of the Lancia Thesis (now import-eligible in 2026) often report challenges with the Skyhook adaptive suspension and the complex Connect Nav+ infotainment system. Due to the high level of electronic integration, maintaining these cars in the US requires a high-end diagnostic tool and a reliable contact for salvaged electronic modules from Europe.
While Lancia doesn't have an official corporate presence, the brand is a staple at prestigious US events. The Lancia Classiche program often supports heritage displays at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and The Quail. Additionally, the American Lancia Club organizes regional meets, providing a vital network for owners to share technical advice and provenance documentation.
S.A.L.A. (Sound Air Light Augmentation) is Lanciaâs proprietary "virtual interface" debut in the 2026 models. It allows drivers to adjust the cabin environmentâlighting, audio, and climateâwith a single button or voice command. This technology is a cornerstone of Lancia's 2026 "Home Feeling" interior philosophy, which aims to make the car feel like a high-end Italian living room.