Formerly part of the Harrah Collection
1915 Lancia Theta Two-Seat Hydroplane Runabout

• American 'Brass Era' eligible
• Original coachwork and mechanicals
• Resident in the UK since 1981
• Restoration completed circa 2011
• Present ownership since 2011
• Maintained by N P Veteran Engineering (bills available)

One of the most gifted automobile engineers of all time, Vincenzo Lancia founded his own company in 1906, having previously been in FIAT's employ as chief test driver. Introduced in 1907, the first Lancia car showed an independence of thought and defiance of convention that would remain associated with the marque well into the modern era. Military vehicles, lorries, vans and aero engines followed, the latter enabling Lancia to accrue valuable expertise in the design and construction of 'V'-configuration powerplants. Apart from a solitary six-cylinder model, the relatively unsuccessful Dialfa of 1908/1909, all early Lancias had four-cylinder engines and were only supplied in chassis form, there being no in-house coachworks at this time. Lancia's very first offering, the 18/24hp Alfa, embodied the principles that its maker had come to consider essential: low weight, a high-revving engine, shaft drive, a pressed steel front axle and worm-and-screw steering. New models were introduced on almost a yearly basis – all named after letters of the Greek alphabet – and production increased sufficiently for Lancia to move to larger premises in via Monginevro, Turin in 1911.

In 1913 Lancia introduced the 35hp Theta, which was powered by a 4,940cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine producing 70bhp at 2,200rpm, an output good enough to propel the Theta to a top speed of around 120km/h (75mph) depending on coachwork. Ever the innovator, Vincenzo Lancia specified a built-in electrical system for the Theta that included an electric starter (the first of its kind in Europe) and also adopted steel wheels instead of traditional wooden ones. Built in two different wheelbase lengths (3,100mm and 3,378mm) the Theta was capable of carrying generously proportioned coachwork and was a big hit in the USA. The last chassis was delivered in 1919, by which time almost 1,700 had been made. Only circa 25 are estimated to survive, few of which retain their original coachwork like this example.

The Theta offered here was originally supplied in New York via the American Lancia agents, Thomas Evarts Adams Inc, and later found its way into Bill Harrah's celebrated collection. Imported into the UK in 1981 in very good original condition, the car still retains its original engine, gearbox, axles, etc. The Hydroplane runabout coachwork by Hayes & Miller of New York is likewise understood to be original, still with its original numbered bonnet, while the brass lighting equipment is by Rushmore. All wheels, brass fittings, and floorboards are believed original, the latter retaining their original rubber and brass edging. The running boards had been removed in the 'States but have since been reinstated. Indeed there is a letter on file from the Lancia Motor Club noting the car as 'remarkably original'.

The Theta was used and maintained by John Blake until July 1986 when it was purchased by Malcolm Elder, who used the car until he thought it was due for a rebuild, which commenced in the 1990s and was completed circa 2011. Work carried out included restoring the chassis and running gear, and rebuilding the engine with new connecting rods, pistons, valves, white metal bearings, and overhauled oil and water pumps. The black leather upholstery was renewed and the original 6-volt electrical system overhauled and later upgraded to 12-volt operation. All the original instruments were rebuilt and the body restored and repainted by Vintage & Classic Paintshop using Tekaloid paint.

Since being purchased by the current owners circa 2011 the car has participated in half a dozen rallies, with any maintenance required entrusted to N P Veteran Engineering. The latter's bills are on file together with invoices and photographs relating to the aforementioned restoration. Additional documentation includes copies of Lancia factory paperwork; a (photocopy) handbook; a VCC Passport; and a UK V5C Registration Certificate.