Vincenzo Lancia was born on August 24, 1881, in the small village of Fobello, near Turin, Italy. His family has lived in Fabello since around 1550. He was the youngest of four children, with one sister and two brothers. His father worked as a soup canner and earned money in Argentina before returning to Turin to start a business. From an early age, Vincenzo showed a talent for math and was expected to become a bookkeeper. However, he became interested in machinery and engineering, especially fascinated by the new motor car.

Vincenzo became an apprentice for Giovanni Battista Ceirano, a bicycle importer in Turin. In 1898, he was listed as the company’s bookkeeper in their brochure. During this time, he developed skills in engineering, design, and construction, learning patience, perseverance, and determination. Soon, he could solve most problems on his own.

In 1899, Vincenzo met Count Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia, who owned a Benz car. They became friends quickly, and the count later helped design the Lancia logo in 1911. At the same time, Vincenzo worked as a chief inspector at Fiat and served as a test driver, even though he was only 19 years old. His driving skills impressed Fiat’s leaders, and he was invited to race their cars. His first success came in 1900 during Fiat’s second race. He led the first lap of the first French Grand Prix at Le Mans with a time of 53 minutes and 42 seconds. Though he was often the fastest driver, he sometimes faced mechanical problems. In 1906, he won the Gold Cup in Milan while driving a Fiat 28-40 HP.

In 1907, Vincenzo built his first car, the 12 hp Alfa, which included advanced technology for the time. He later created important car models, such as the Lambda and the Aprilia. In 1930, he co-founded Carrozzeria Pinin Farina, a car design and coachbuilding company in Cambiano, Turin, with Battista Farina, known as Pinin. Vincenzo died on February 15, 1937, from a heart attack just before the Aprilia was ready for full production. He was 55 years old and is buried in Fobello. His wife, Adele Miglietti, and their son, Gianni Lancia, managed the car company from 1937 to 1955.