Appia
Introduced in 1953 as the replacement for the Ardea, the Lancia Appia was a compact V4-powered saloon that carried Lancia’s post-war engineering tradition into a new decade. Its styling echoed the larger Aurelia, while rear-hinged doors without a central B-pillar improved access to the cabin. Built for roughly ten years, the Appia developed through three series, gaining revisions to its powertrain, interior space and exterior design. The model was not limited to the standard saloon: Italian coachbuilders including Pininfarina, Vignale, Zagato and Viotti produced coupés, convertibles, sporting derivatives and estate-style bodies. The versions represented here include the 1953 saloon, the 1957-1958 coupé, the 1957 convertible and the 1960 Estate, illustrating the range of body styles created around Lancia’s small family car.
Variants by year
1960
1958
1957
1953
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
Introduced in 1953 as the replacement for the Ardea, the Lancia Appia was a compact V4-powered saloon that carried Lancia’s post-war engineering tradition into a new decade. Its styling echoed the larger Aurelia, while rear-hinged doors without a central B-pillar improved access to the cabin. Built for roughly ten years, the Appia developed through three series, gaining revisions to its powertrain, interior space and exterior design. The model was not limited to the standard saloon: Italian coachbuilders including Pininfarina, Vignale, Zagato and Viotti produced coupés, convertibles, sporting derivatives and estate-style bodies. The versions represented here include the 1953 saloon, the 1957-1958 coupé, the 1957 convertible and the 1960 Estate, illustrating the range of body styles created around Lancia’s small family car.
History
Lancia introduced the Appia in 1953 as a more accessible companion to the Aurelia and as the successor to the Ardea. The new compact car retained several distinctive Lancia engineering solutions, including a narrow-angle 1,089 cc V4, rear-wheel drive and sliding-pillar front suspension. Its small saloon body followed the brand’s streamlined post-war design language, with rear-hinged doors that opened without a conventional central B-pillar. The second series arrived in 1956 with a revised rear body, a three-centimetre wheelbase increase and a stronger engine. The changes improved rear-seat accommodation and created a more suitable platform for coachbuilt derivatives. Pininfarina produced a 2+2 coupé, Vignale built the convertible and several luxury-bodied versions, and Zagato developed lighter sporting interpretations. In 1959, the third series introduced a clearly different front end with a horizontal grille, together with another increase in engine output. The Appia remained in production until 1963, when the front-wheel-drive Fulvia became its successor in the Lancia range.
Generations
The Appia is best understood as three successive series rather than three completely new generations. The first series, launched in 1953, was the original saloon. It had the shortest body in the range, a tall vertical grille and a 1,089 cc V4 producing approximately 38 bhp according to published specifications. Its styling echoed the larger Aurelia while remaining distinctly compact. The second series appeared in 1956. It retained the basic architecture but received a redesigned rear body, a longer wheelbase and an engine producing roughly 43 bhp. Rear-seat accommodation improved, and the underlying chassis became an increasingly important basis for independent coachbuilt bodies. The coupés, convertibles and sporting derivatives of this period were therefore not simply trim levels of the standard saloon. The third series, introduced in 1959, is the easiest to identify from the outside. Its horizontal grille replaced the upright treatment used on earlier cars, while saloon output rose to approximately 48 bhp. Special bodies continued alongside the factory saloon and could differ substantially according to their coachbuilder. Correct identification therefore requires both the mechanical series and the body manufacturer to be considered.
Key differences
The main differences begin with the standard factory body. First- and second-series cars use a narrow upright grille, while the third series adopts a wider horizontal grille that reflects the styling direction of Lancia’s larger late-1950s models. The second series can also be identified by its slightly longer wheelbase and revised rear body, changes intended to improve passenger space and luggage capacity. Coachbuilt bodies alter the car’s appearance more substantially than the factory updates. The Pininfarina Coupé is a fixed-roof two-door 2+2. Vignale’s Convertible has an open body with its own proportions and trim details. Zagato derivatives are lower, lighter and more overtly sporting. The Estate, related to the period’s Giardinetta-style family conversions, adds an extended rear section and a more practical load area. Commercial names can vary between markets and reference works, so visual evidence, chassis information and identification plates should be checked before assigning a precise version.
Photo recognition
Start identification at the front of the car. A narrow upright grille generally points to a first- or second-series Appia, while a horizontal grille usually indicates the third series. The rear body and overall length should then be checked, because the second series received a longer wheelbase and revised rear-end styling. Rear-hinged doors without a central B-pillar are a useful saloon clue, but they do not identify every Appia derivative. A fixed roof, two-door layout and 2+2 proportions suggest the Pininfarina Coupé. A folding roof and open body point towards the Vignale Convertible. A lower roofline, more aerodynamic shape or distinctive lightweight details may indicate a Zagato derivative, although such cars are not always listed consistently in general model catalogues. The Estate should show an extended rear body and greater carrying capacity. Badges, chassis plates and original documentation are more reliable than appearance alone when confirming an exact specification.
Important versions
The saloon is the core Appia body style: the 1953 first series introduced the model, while the second and third series delivered its main mechanical and visual revisions. The Pininfarina Coupé, introduced in the late 1950s, turned the Appia into an elegant 2+2. Vignale’s Convertible provided the principal open-bodied interpretation, using a body distinct from the factory saloon. Zagato’s sporting versions are especially significant among Appia derivatives, combining lighter coachwork with a more dynamic character. The 1960 Estate represents another direction, extending the model into a family-oriented and practical body style associated with Viotti’s Giardinetta-type work. Because coachbuilt production was limited and specifications varied, surviving examples should be assessed individually.
References
- Lancia Appia BerlinaLouwman Museum
- Lancia AppiaLancia / Stellantis Media
- Lancia Appia Gtz Prototipo, il Vangelo secondo ElioL’Automobile Club d’Italia
- Lancia Appia Coupé: FCA Heritage returns to the Retromobile ShowFCA Heritage / Stellantis Media
- Lancia Appia (1953-1963): Do you remember?Motor1.com
- Expert koopadvies en verkoopprijs: Lancia AppiaAutoWeek
- https://philseed.com/lancia-appia/philseed.com
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Lancia Appia produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 1953 - 1960.
- How many Lancia Appia examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 1 published scan from 1 member, with the latest photo added in February 2026.