1960 Lancia Appia news, pictures, and information

Zagato Coupe
Coachwork: Zagato
Chassis Num: 812012391

The Lancia Appia arrived in 1953 and had many styling elements from its big brother, the Aurelia B10. It had an ultra-compact engine positioned at a narrow-angle of just 10-degrees. The V4 unit displaced 1089cc and the inclined overhead-valves were set in hemispherical combustion chambers and operated by twin camshafts in the block. The Appia had unitary-construction with a sliding-pillar independent front suspension. The notchback-style Series II cars rode on a longer wheelbase and given a slightly more powerful engine, now rated at 43 bhp. The Series III cars had 48 bhp.

A limited run of special edition Appia models were produced on a separate chassis and bodied by leading carrozzeria. The coupes were created by Pininfarina, Vignale the cabriolet and Zagato the GT coupé. Those more sporty Appia models were fitted with a 53 bhp engine. The lightweight Zagato models with their aerodynamic coachwork could achieve 100 mph.

This example is a left-hand drive Appia GTE Coupe with coachwork by Zagato. It was delivered new in Guatemala where it was owned by one Ira Dever Lewis Clark, an American citizen. The second owner took possession of the car in 2003. In 2006, it came into the ownership of only its third owner. In 2008, the car was offered for sale at the 'Quail Lodge, A Sale of Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia' presented by Bonhams Auction. It was estimated to sell for $70,000 - 90,000 but would leave the auction unsold.

Zagato Coupe
Coachwork: Zagato
Chassis Num: 812 01 3277

This 1960 Lancia Appia GTE Series 3 Zagato Coupe is one of approximately 350 built. It is powered by a narrow-angle V-4 engine capable of producing 60 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drum brakes. The Zagato bodied cars were lightweight coupe GTs and proved to be very capable machines in competition, including the Mille Miglia.

The Series 3 cars had covered headlights and a smooth roof. This car has been the subject of a recent restoration. It is finished in red paint with a tan and dark-brown vinyl interior.

In 2008, this Series 3 Appia GTE was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, California. It was estimated to sell for $125,000 - $175,000. The lot was sold for $104,500, including buyer's premium.

One of the most important Lancia models was the Lancia Appia. Available as a two-seater from 1957 to 1959, the Appia convertible was also available as a 2+2 with a welded hard-top from 1959 until 1962. Many people referred to the 2+2 Convertible as the Lusso due to the fact the Coupe and 2+2 shared many similarities, were built in the same period and needed a distinction.

During the 1950's, while Lancia was creating their most beautiful automobiles ever, these cars were also notable for being much more advanced than their competition due to their unitary bodywork structure. Mechanically less complex than other Lancia models, the Lancia Appia Series I and II was produced from 1953 until 1959 and inspired many prototypes by designers such as Zagota, Vignale and Pinin Farina.

The Lancia Appia was designed as the replacement for the Ardea and was introduced to the marked in 1953. Designed by Gianni Lancia, the 1091 cc Appia V-4 featured a four door pillarless design.In 1964, the Appia was the smallest automobile in the Lanci range, at near the end of the decade the Appia was available with both 1216cc and 1298cc engines.

Sharing some of the components of the Appia, the Lancia Fulvia was created to replace the Appia. While the Appia was a rear wheel drive vehicle, the Fulvia was updated to front wheel drive. The Appia was a smaller version of the Aurelia, which was the first Lancia to compete officially in Motorsports. The Aurelia was also the first car in the world to ever mount a 60 degree V, 6-cylinder engine with differential, gearbox and clutch all mounted in a single unit on the rear axle.

During this decade, the Lancia brand became very heavily involved in motor-sports under Gianni Lancia's influence. Models were constructed from production to be used in competitions, with exceptional results.

Financial difficulties forced Gianni to sell his company to Fiat several years later in 1969. All motorsport activities were halted, and financial situation had reached such dire straits that the majority of Gianni's holdings were sold to Pesenti, a financial group.

A style that was unique for its innovativeness and creativity, the custom-built bodies designed for the Dilambda, Lambda, Astura and Aprilia introduced Italian Automobile style to the world. Today Lancia continues to adhere to the precise attention to detail that was instilled by its founder.

Jessica Donaldson

Vehicle Spotlight

1960 Lancia models
Lancia Flavia

Lancia: 1950-1960

Similar Automakers

Other models by Lancia