Lancia Appia>
Coordinates 45.4773716,10.3943316
Picture dated May 2009
The Lancia Appia was introduced in 1953 and remained in production for ten years. All three series produced had a V4 engine of 1089cc.
Lancia produced the saloon version, but supplied chassis to coachwork compainies for other versions including a coupé by Pininfarina, a convertible and 2-door saloon by Vignale and an aluminium-bodied GT by Zagato. There were also light commercial vehicle variants produced by other companies.
The Appia Berlina (saloon) was introduced in April 1953 at the Turin Motor Show. Under the bonnet there was a 38 PS 1.1-litre engine, with a claimed top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). The bodywork had “suicide” doors at the back with no central (B) pillar.
In April 1956 the second series Appia was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. It had a more powerful engine, a modernized body and better interior room. The rear part of the body had been redesigned to enlarge the boot, and the wheelbase was stretched by 3 cm (1.2 in) to provide better rear seat accommodation.
In March 1959 the third series Appia was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show with a new front end, replacing Lancia's traditional radiator shell-style grille with a horizontal one inspired by the Lancia Flaminia flagship. Engine power went up again 48hp, as did top speed, to 132 km/h (82 mph).
In all 107,000 Appia were built: 98,000 saloons, 3,863 commercial vehicles, and 5,161 chassis supplied to coachbuilders.
For more information see here.
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