It is not meant to be mean or offensive. But most classic car enthusiasts think straight. German brands are popular, maybe different from Italy Alfa Romeo, Ferrari ali Fiat 500, but Lancia? According to her, there is only interest when it comes to rally icons such as Stratos ali Delta HF Integral.
That's why it's all the better for your horizons (we're not excluded here either) when we can be at the classic car fair"Retro Classics Bavaria” suddenly saw in Nurembergand a little-known limousine. Beautifully designed, built in 1963 and without a B-pillar. Allow: Lancia Appia. A model that was only long 3,86 meters, was introduced 70 years ago. Appia (named after a Roman road for long-distance transport) succeeded the model in April 1953 Ardea.
This Lancia already lacked a B-pillar, which ensured that there were two bench seats, similar to a sofa, in the Appia spacious model. The door is locked with massive plugs, brand spear but at that time it was considered "Italian Mercedes". Reinforced A-pillars and C-pillars, reinforcements at the rear and a high center tunnel replaced the missing B-pillar.
This was also reflected in the price: Appia was quite a lot more expensive of the same size Fiat 1100, without having more power. The first series of sedans had 38 BAM, and the latest versions 48 HP. From the engine V4 with volume 1,1 liter and upper camshafts. Wim Oude Wernink in his bible spear speaks of "quite lively driving performance". In particular, the first series combined a curvy pre-war rear end with a modern front end. She was in direct comparison Appia appear as reduced Aurelia. The rather high price was also due to the fact that large parts of the body were made of aluminum. At least in the first one to the Appie series, which was produced until 1956 and weighed only 820 kilograms.
Appia it then visually almost changed into a different car, as it now had a classic notch. The engine was also modified with new cylinder heads, and was also available new dashboard with two round instruments. Characteristic mark spear it remained at the front. This part has changed over the years 1959 with the third and final Appie series. The classic grille was now available as a family resemblance with new models such as Flavia and Flaminia. They say that the new owner insisted on this Lancia Carlo Pesenti, head of the Italcementi Group. And he had a good nose: more than 55.000 of the 97.000 cars built Appia was in the third series that years 1963 replaced by a new one Fulvia.
Although it is 1,1 liter the engine always remained the same, sports versions were available with up to 60 BAM and elegant design: Coupé 2+2 Pininfarina, Convertible, Berlinette Zagato, Appia Lusso Vignale, as well as a hatchback Giardinetta, which he created Viotti. Exactly 5.161 of these derivatives were produced, of which only 300 were produced Giardinette. Limousine Appia the second series was subjected to the durability test of an Italian magazine Four wheels proved to be very reliable and drove without any major problems 160.000 km. This Lancia can therefore still be considered a insider tip, especially since Sedan, as the limousine is known in Italy, is not very expensive. A patinated, but apparently solid fair specimen stood 5.900 euros. But you can wait for the return of the Lancia brand: the new Ypsilon will be launched in February 2024.
