Lancia D20 Pininfarina

Vehicle Overview

The Lancia D20 Pininfarina stands as a pivotal chapter in Lancia’s storied history, marking the brand’s bold entry into competitive motorsport under the leadership of Gianni Lancia. Unlike his father, Vincenzo Lancia, who, after a successful early career as a driver, refrained from making Lancia a racing-oriented marque, Gianni was determined to establish the brand’s presence on the track. His commitment to motorsport began shortly after the launch of the Aurelia, a model that, particularly in its B20 coupé form, showcased the potential for high-performance competition. Lancia initially supported private entrants in racing events in 1951, offering technical assistance to customers eager to push the Aurelia to its limits. By 1952, however, the company officially entered racing, fielding factory-prepared Aurelia B20s in major competitions. But Gianni Lancia’s ambition extended beyond modifying road-going models—he wanted a purpose-built racing machine. This vision materialized in 1953 with the debut of the Lancia D20, a car often mistakenly regarded as an Aurelia derivative due to its 2900cc displacement. In reality, the D20 was a bespoke creation, designed by legendary engineer Vittorio Jano, known for his work on iconic Alfa Romeo and Ferrari race cars. The D20’s development began between 1952 and 1953, with a team of highly skilled engineers, including Ettore Zaccone Mina (engine specialist), Francesco Faleo (chassis design), Mattei (engine testing), and Luigi Bosco (transmission expert). Early prototypes featured a 2,494cc V6 (Type B110) producing over 180 HP, but it was soon replaced by a more powerful unit. The final D20 engine, still a 60° V6, had a displacement of 2,950cc, producing over 215 HP at 6,500 rpm. It featured four overhead camshafts, twin-spark ignition, and triple twin-barrel carburetors, making it a highly advanced powerplant for its time. The D20’s chassis was equally sophisticated, featuring four-wheel independent suspension—a transverse leaf spring and oscillating arms at the front, and a trapezoidal setup with a transverse leaf spring at the rear. From a design perspective, the D20 was a strikingly sleek and elegant coupé, penned by Pininfarina, showcasing both aerodynamic efficiency and Italian styling flair. Gianni Lancia’s ultimate goal was to compete in the newly established World Sportscar Championship (1953), but the D20 was merely a stepping stone. Despite its innovative engineering, it lacked the raw power needed to challenge Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, and Aston Martin at the highest level. Recognizing this limitation, four of the eleven D20s were converted into D23 Spiders, a transitional model bridging the gap between the D20 and the D24. The D24 would go on to achieve Lancia’s most famous racing triumphs, including victory in the grueling Carrera Panamericana. The Lancia D20 Pininfarina remains a significant yet often overlooked part of Lancia’s motorsport legacy, representing the brand’s bold leap into competitive racing. Though it was not the ultimate race winner, it laid the foundation for Lancia’s future dominance in sports car racing, proving that the Turin manufacturer could challenge the best in the world.