Lot 122: 1955 Lancia Appia S I Saloon

Launched in April 1953, and subsequently available in saloon, coupé and convertible guises with both short and long wheelbases, the Vittorio Jano designed Appia was in concept essentially a smaller version of the excellent Aurelia. Like the Aurelia it employed a front mounted V engine driving the rear wheels, in this case a 1,089cc four cylinder unit producing 38bhp and mated to a four-speed gearbox. Surefooted road holding was provided by independent sliding pillar/coil spring front suspension and a live, leaf-sprung rear axle while brakes were drums all round. The concept was correct from the start: a well-engineered 904-cc V4 engine that suited the punitive Italian vehicle tax system. With the Series II Appia, the engine volume increased to 1,090 cc and discerning buyers could even choose special bodied versions from the likes of Pininfarina, Zagato and Vignale.The example you see here today is a first series model dating from 1955, the rarest and arguably prettiest of the three Appia saloons produced. It has always remained in the Veneto region of Italy. Apart from a brief change of ownership when new the car remained with its second owner for most of its life who jealously guarded the car and used it sparingly until he passed away in 1999. More recently the car was found via the sons of the owner by a Padua based author of Lancia specialist titles. In his tenure the car has received a new interior and door seals as well as other remedial work and servicing. Otherwise the car presents itself in excellent original condition never having required any substantial restoration work and will provide its new owner with a rare and lovely piece of Italian motoring history. Buyers should be made aware that the car is currently not registered for the road and will therefore require re-registering if it is to be driven either in or outside of Italy. The car is supplied with the "certificato chronologico", ownership history and "atto di vendita" , bill of sale.