This beautiful book breaks new ground in automotive history by chronicling one of Italy's great marques through the life of designer-engineer Francesco De Virgilio. In addition to playing a central role in the creation of the first V-6 engine and Lancia's technically advanced Aurelia road car, De Virgilio was part of the company's inner circle through his marriage to the daughter of founder Vincenzo Lancia. Although individual Lancia cars have been profiled in other books, none have attempted to tell the full story of the company through the eyes of an influential insider. Lancia and De Virgilio reflects the years of research conducted by the author as well as his close ties to De Virgilio's descendants. Illustrated with everything from technical diagrams and blueprints to scores of family photographs. Sets the Lancia story against the broader backdrop of automotive, industrial, and social developments in post-war Italy, as well as stressing the personal story of De Virgilio and his family through the years.