Lot 224: 1960 Lancia Appia Cabriolet
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Vignale

Styled like its Aurelia B10 big brother, Lancia's new small car, the Appia, arrived in 1953. The Lancia tradition of innovation in automotive technology was exemplified by the Appia's ultra-compact engine, a narrow-angle (10 degrees), 1,089cc V4 whose inclined overhead-valves were set in hemispherical combustion chambers and operated by twin, block-mounted camshafts. The unitary chassis construction adopted on the pre-war Aprilia was, naturally enough, continued, as was Lancia's traditional sliding-pillar independent front suspension. 'Notchback'-styled Series II cars came with a lengthened wheelbase and more power (up from 38 to 43bhp) while the final (3rd) series boasted further styling revisions and 48bhp. Complementing the standard Appia saloon were a series of limited edition models produced on a separate chassis and bodied by leading carrozzieri, Pinin Farina (later Pininfarina) being responsible for the coupé, Vignale the cabriolet and Zagato the GT coupé. Engine power was increased to 53bhp for these more sporting Appias which, when equipped with lightweight coachwork, could touch 100mph.
This rare and desirable Appia cabriolet is clothed in elegant coachwork by Carrozzeria Vignale. One of the most illustrious of Italian coachbuilders, Carrozzeria Vignale had been founded in 1948 by Alfredo Vignale, whose career had begun pre-war with a successful design on the FIAT Topolino chassis. Enzo Ferrari's favoured coachbuilder during Maranello's formative years, Carrozzeria Vignale also designed and built cars for Lancia and Maserati among others, and in the 1960s branched out into automobile manufacture in its own right.
The vendor advises us that this coachbuilt Appia has had only three owners from new and that it remains in very good, original condition throughout. Delivered new in Italy and finished in silver with red leather trim, it comes complete with hard top and is believed to be accident free. Italian registered (its coachwork is noted as 'Vignale Special'), we understand it is one of a series of just 20 such cars made. Offered without reserve, local taxes will be liable if it remains in Switzerland.