If you want to make an Italian man laugh, just say the name Lancia. Most English speakers say Larn-see-uh – or Lan-see-uh if they are northern, or North American – whereas for Italians it is a much more forceful sounding Lan-cher. Saying it any other way will be as ridiculous to an Italian as ordering a cappuccino after dinner.

When he has finished laughing at your pronunciation, however, he will probably start to slowly sob, as he remembers what has happened to one of Italy’s – and therefore the world’s – truly great car companies. Lancia does still exist, sort of, but has been reduced to an Italy-only market for its “fashion city car” – the motoring equivalent of one of those cheap plastic watches you buy at the airport.