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Ansaldo-Lancia 1Z/1ZM

Armored Car Series

1Z (First Series)

Specifications

Country of Origin/Used by:	Italy (and others including Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary & Germany)
First Produced/Service Dates:	1Z (1st Series) = 1915 I1 (2nd Series) = 1917 1ZM (3rd Series) = 1918
Manufactured by:	Chassis/Automotive Components: Lancia & C. Fabbrica Automobili; Design/Assembly: Ansaldo AB
Crew:	1Z = 6 1ZM = 5
*Armament:	1Z 1st/2nd Series-Turret: (3) Machine Guns 1ZM 3nd Series- Turret: (2) Machine Guns: Rear Hull: (1) Machine Gun
Engine:	4-Cylinder Gasoline
Miscellaneous Info:	The Ansaldo-Lancia 1Z/1ZM Series of armored cars commenced as a private venture by Ansaldo AB in 1914.  The initial cars were produced in 1915 and consisted of 20 examples.  We will refer to these as the Lancia 1Z (1st Series) cars. All the vehicles produced used an upgraded Lancia 30/35 hp truck chassis with custom built hull and turret.  Identifying features of 1st Series cars include the inclusion of a small MG turret mounted on top of the main turret, armored wheel "fenders" and a slotted front engine grill.  The weapons carried were initially determined to be three (3) 6.5mm Vickers-Maxim Model 1911 machine guns.  However, at the beginning of the cars' production, not enough of that type were available.  Thusly, as an interim measure, 6.85mm Maxim-Dreyse Machine Guns were used until the Maxim Guns were available.  Please note that modifications and changes were common throughout the long life of the Lancia's service, including the upgrading of early cars to the standard of later cars. For instance, 1st Series cars commonly had the small top turret and/or front armored wheel covers removed. Therefore, identification of the series of production of a specific car can be difficult, as they sometimes had a mix of production series features. Having had good results with the 1st Series of cars, another production run of a slightly modified version 1Z (2nd Series) was delivered in early 1917. Seventeen (17) 2nd Series cars were built and went right into service. Identifying features of the 2nd Series cars include the replacement of the front armored wheel covers with simplified fenders, a change to a louvered front engine grill, the addition of armored jackets for the machine guns and the spare wheels being moved to the sides of the car; which were previously located under the rear hull. The last five (5) cars in the production run had a strengthened chassis and possibly the power of their engines increased; which also carried over to the last series cars.  Again, like their predecessor, the 2nd Series cars served in their roles well.  However, by the end of 1917 the Italians had suffered heavy combat losses and quickly decided to order another 100 cars.  These last 1ZM (3rd Series) cars were produced starting in late 1917 and went into action in 1918.  This series of cars had the most visible changes when compared to the earlier series vehicles: most notably the elimination of the small top MG turret. The third machine gun from that turret was relocated to the rear hull.  Other changes include a slightly redesigned hull (identified by having fewer vision ports) and longer front fenders. Due to the hull change the crew in the cars was reduced from six to five. Armament was changed to 8mm St. Etienne Model 1907F machine guns. However, one of the main changes made to the 3rd Series was negative in nature.  The high-quality steel used for the armor of the 1st and 2nd Series cars was in short supply.  Thusly, the 3rd Series cars used a lesser quality metal which had an adverse effect on protection. Although the main design and features remained fairly constant throughout the three-production series, there were upgrades made throughout the car's lifespan; specifically to the weapons carried and wheels/tires mounted.  For example, in the mid to late 1920's, the weapons carried were changed to 6.5mm Fiat Model 1914 machine guns. Also, high-pressure tires replaced the earlier solid rubber and improved lighting was provided with the addition of a second headlight. Also, in the mid 1930's the wheels/tires were once again changed, but to pneumatic, low-pressure times for use in Somaliland and Italian East Africa. In addition, on four (4) of the cars serving in Africa, the water-cooled 6.5mm Fiat machine guns were replaced by the Fiat 1914 Tipo Aviazione air-cooled, aircraft machine guns.  Finally, in their swan-song of Italian service during World War Two, weapons were again changed to modern guns, including the 7.7mm Breda-SAFAT MG or 8mm Fiat 14/35 Model or Breda machine guns. Despite the Lancia's creation at the beginning of World War One, a mix of 1Z and 1ZM cars served through the middle of World War Two. They saw action in most theatres where Italian Forces operated, as well as in the employ of other countries' armies; most notably captured models by the Germans during World War Two [known as the Panzerspahwagen Lancia 1ZM (i)].  * The armament mounted on these cars over their long life is quite varied.  Thusly, only basic information is provided in the "Armament" section. However, the specific weapons carried are provided along with the other details about each production series.
Data Sheet Available:	None Available

Photos

Reference	Source/Provider
Lancia 1Z Prototype Armored Car Photo	The David Haugh Collection
Lancia 1Z (1st Series) Armored Car Photos	The David Haugh Collection
Lancia 1Z (2nd Series) Armored Car Photo	The Austro-Hungarian Imperial & Royal War Press Headquarters via Wikipedia Commons
Lancia 1Z (2nd Series) Armored Car Photo	The David Haugh Collection
Lancia 1Z (2nd Series) Armored Car Photo	Imperial War Museum
Lancia 1ZM (3nd Series) Armored Car Photo	Australian War Memorial
Lancia 1ZM (3nd Series) Armored Car Photo	German Bundesarchiv
Lancia 1ZM (3nd Series) Armored Car Photos	The Massimo Foti Collection
Lancia 1ZM (3rd Series) Armored Car Photos	The David Haugh Collection
Lancia 1ZM (3rd Series) Armored Car Photo	The Italian Army

References Available

Online

Printed

Hobby Modeling

Kits and Accessories

For a Full List of Model Kits and Accessories related to the Ansaldo-Lancia 1Z/1ZM Armored Car Series, you can check out Scalemates.

Model Photos