LANCIA Gamma 1976-1980 Photos, engines & full specs

Lancia introduced the Gamma in 1976 as its flagship model in a desperate attempt to survive on a market that started to look too much at fuel-efficiency and less at handling.

The Italian carmaker was already purchased by Fiat and still tried to make the cars the way it knew. Up to some point, Fiat was fine with that. But it couldn't allow Lancia to build vehicles that might compete against other Fiats on the market. That said, Lancia developed its executive sedans (named Berlina) as fastbacks, while Fiat built sedans and station wagons.

Lancia employed Pininfarina studios to design its Gamma lineup, and the prolific designer made it resemble a sports car. Its low nose and raked windshield didn't look like an ordinary family sedan. Its fastback rear end resembled the look of a Citroen DS. At the front, the Gamma sported two double headlights and pointing down pentagonal chromed trim. Strangely, the Lancia shield was very small compared to the grille's size. The chromed flush to bodywork door handles were designed for a more aerodynamic profile and lower the wind noise on the sides.

Inside, the Gamma was very roomy, and the dashboard amplified the spacious car feeling thanks to its flat areas and angled-down panel. Its instrument cluster was squared and raised above the center stack and continued to the car's outer side, next to the driver area. It covered the stereo and the climate control unit, while the instrument cluster was filled with two large dials and four gauges.

Under the hood, the flat-four engines offered by Lancia were nowhere near as smooth as the V-6s or V-8s offered by its main rivals. But it managed to survive on the market until 1984 when the Thema replaced it.