The 1954 Formula 1 season would be the first to run under new regulations that would permit an engine capacity of 2500cc. Lancia, under the direction of Vittorio Jano, committed to building a car in August of 1953. The D50 design was completed in months and the first car was tested on February 8, 1954.
The engineering team that Jano led focused on building a light car. The front mounted V8 engine was integrated as a structural part of the car. The front suspension was mounted to the engine and the rear of the engine was connected directly to the firewall.