CarBook Cover Story: Lancia’s Century-Old Engine Record

When discussing iconic automakers, Lancia is often remembered for its elegant design, pioneering engineering, and motorsport triumphs rather than for building engines of immense size. Yet, hidden within its storied past lies a fascinating chapter that showcases the brand’s engineering daring: a four-cylinder engine of remarkable capacity that set a company record more than a century ago.

In 1913, Lancia unveiled the Theta, a vehicle that not only embodied cutting-edge technology but also housed a powerful four-cylinder motor displacing 4942cc. This 4.9-litre engine remains Lancia’s largest production car engine to date, an achievement that still resonates today. At the time, such innovation was extraordinary. The Theta was among the first European cars equipped with both electric lights and an electric starter, making it a symbol of forward-thinking progress in an era when most cars still relied on hand-cranks and gas lamps.

Between 1913 and 1918, the Theta represented more than just a car; it was a bold statement of intent. Lancia’s engineers demonstrated that they could blend refinement with muscle, creating a luxury automobile that was as technically advanced as it was powerful. This balance of sophistication and performance would go on to define the brand’s DNA for decades.

Interestingly, Lancia’s ambitions in engine design did not stop there. The company also experimented with narrow-angle V12 engines boasting displacements of 6.0 and 7.2 litres. These engines, however, were never fitted into customer cars. Instead, the larger V12s found their way into aircraft, highlighting Lancia’s versatility and engineering range at a time when the boundaries between automotive and aviation technology were fluid.

While the 4.9-litre Theta engine may not rival the monstrous displacements of American V8s or Bentley’s later 8-litre powerplants, it was a significant achievement for a marque known more for agility and innovation than brute force. For Lancia, the focus remained on creating cars that pushed technological boundaries and delivered refined driving experiences rather than chasing sheer engine size.

Today, more than a century later, the Lancia Theta’s 4942cc engine stands as a proud reminder of the brand’s engineering spirit. It illustrates how Lancia consistently pursued innovation, whether through pioneering electric components, experimenting with radical V12s, or setting records that remain unmatched in its own history.