What is the last ‘true’ Lancia? For some it is the Aprilia because that was the last design supervised by Vincenzo Lancia, for others the Appia because a true Lancia must have the sliding-pillar front suspension, while Flaminia an Montecarlo owners unite in the claim that a proper Lancia must have rear-wheel drive. For me the Gamma, with all its problems, is the last Lancia.
The Beta, designed after the Fiat takeover, was clearly a Fiat product. But for the design of the Gamma Lancia was given a last chance as an independent organisation. Starting with a clean sheet of paper they chose front wheel drive, a large four-cylinder boxer engine with overhead camshafts and all-round independent suspension with McPherson struts (as on the Beta). The beautiful Berlina and equaly attractive Coupé were both designed by Pininfarina and have exceptionally good looks, steering and road-holding thanks to the light and compact boxer engine.

But for a large and expensive car only four cylinders were regarded by potential buyers as insufficient, while build quality and finish were not exactly top-class. Major mechanical problems with cooling and camshaft drive make the Gamma the least-loved Lancia. Its failure brought an end to Lancia’s independent design tradition and ever since its demise all their cars have been based on Fiat platforms.