The Lancia L Concept celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic Stratos Zero - Yanko Design

The story of Lancia is an extremely melancholic 1. Founded in 1907, the company did pretty well independently merely saw a gradual decline in popularity towards the 1960s, with nigh models facing a major problem of corrosion over time. This reputation for corrosion, resultant poor sales, and a mass purchase-back scheme eventually led to Lancia being and so unprofitable that they got acquired past Fiat in 1969. In 1970, things were looking up for the visitor, as pattern legend Marcello Gandini (head designer at Bertone) unveiled Lancia'south most iconic automobile… the hyper-sleek Lancia Stratos Zero, an automobile that is considered futuristic even by today's standards. The Stratos Zero, equally iconic and ground-breaking equally it was (and the fact that it appeared in Michael Jackson's Moonwalker video), didn't give Lancia the thrust it needed to have off. It soon slipped dorsum into its lull, but for Fiat to afterwards announce that Lancia would stop selling cars outside Italy mail service-2014.

The company may be long gone from the international scene, but it isn't forgotten. The Stratos Zero is still regarded ane of the most edgy car concepts to exist, even afterward 50 years since it debuted at the Turin Motor Show in 1970. In fact, it's even the prime source of inspiration for this automobile, the Lancia Fifty Concept. Designed by automotive designer and enthusiast, Guilherme Araujo, the Lancia L Concept pays homage to the Stratos Zero on its Gilt Jubilee Anniversary. The Lancia L boasts of a similar sleek style, with a wedge-shaped hood. Even so, it sports air-intakes under the wedge design, allowing the auto to both exist aesthetically accurate besides every bit aerodynamic. The hot orange and black color combination pays tribute to the 50-year old automotive icon, and triangular headlamps is yet some other hat-tip to the machine's spiritual ancestor. The Lancia Fifty Concept's wheels are a history lesson too, mimicking the style seen in the 2005 Fenomenon Stratos, and the subsequent Stratos models designed by Pininfarina. Moreover, the rims even come with 1970-2020 etched right into them, every bit a celebration of 50 years since the Stratos Zippo, Lancia's nigh revolutionary and innovative automotive release… and even though the company doesn't have the international bear on it did half a century ago, the Lancia L Concept keeps the flame of the carmaker's illustrious history burning!

Designer: Guilherme Araujo