It is often said that it was a coincidence. In the early 1950s, the two largest automobile manufacturers in Italy - Lancia and Fiat - both launched a new car in the "1100" class. Fiat built the successor to the 1100 which actually came from 1939. Lancia followed with the first generation of the Appia. In terms of dimensions, both Italians did not differ much from each other. The engines had practically the same content. Yet there were substantial differences between the new Fiat 1100 and the Lancia Appia.
There were things that clearly distinguished the Lancia from the Fiat. For example, the four cylinders in the Milanese were arranged in a V-shape, while the Fiat engine had four cylinders in line. The Lancia also resembled a reduced Aurelia and had a design that particularly distinguished itself at the rear of the Fiat. In addition, the Lancia served a higher segment, while the Fiat nevertheless regarded more as a car for the people, as far as you could speak of it in the early 1950s.
Innovative model
There were more things that set the Lancia apart. Because in particular from a technical point of view, the Appia benefited from the great attention values of Lancia with regard to quality perception and development. This Lancia - still with the typical elongated grille - was the last with the brand-typical front suspension with compression sliding arms. Furthermore, it was striking that the B-pillar was missing. Because back doors opened "upside-down", a spatial effect was created. And back to the engine: at the head valve power source provided with two underlying camshafts, the V shape was positioned at an angle of 10 degrees, so that the cylinders were particularly close to each other. That engine - with its content of 1.090 cc - gave the Appia good performance for its time. And that again had to do with the lightweight construction of the car, in which numerous aluminum parts were incorporated. Partly because of its innovative character, the Appia became fairly successful for Lancia concepts, especially in Italy. In terms of sales, he beat his competitor from Turin. And that had a lot if not everything to do with the higher price.
One of the most loved ones of his time
Today the Appia is very popular. He is still known as one of the most beloved Italian little ones of his time, despite a number of quality problems that characterized early specimens of the first generation in particular. Apart from that, this generation can still enjoy great popularity. It is one of the reasons that RM Sotheby's is proud to announce that it has included an 1955er Appia as one of the "lots" in the Quattroruote Collection auction. This will be held next Saturday in Monaco.
Part of the Quattroruote Collection for more than fifty years
The Lancia Appia still shows off with original Milanese license plates. The copy on offer is kept - both from the outside and from the inside - in an exceptionally good and original condition. Furthermore, the Lancia still has its original engine. It is also striking that the Appia until 1964 was owned by the Scevola-Ruscellotti family in Milan. Various family members became owners from 1955. From 1964 onwards, the Appia is part of the Quattroruote Collection.
Between € 12.000 and € 16.000
So this Saturday he will be offered in Monaco. The auctioneers have determined the value of the Appia with chassis number C10 8906 at an amount of between € 12.000 and € 16.000. In any case, there is a good opportunity for the mediated Lancia enthusiast to add a fine example of an important and innovative Lancia model to the collection.
The Quattroruote Collection contains a number of beautiful and rare pieces. For the collection, which will be auctioned by RM Sotheby's in Monaco next Saturday, click here.