1958 Lancia Appia GT Zagato

• Italian delivery
• Matching numbers and colours
• Zagato aluminium coachwork
• Documented Italian ownership history
• An older restoration
• Very original and in correct specification

One of the rarest and most desirable Appia variants, this Zagato-bodied GT reflects automobile designers' then-current fascination with aircraft inspired styling devices, most notably the nacelle-shaped front wings, jet-fighter-like central air intake, and shallow fins atop the rear wings.

Styled like its Aurelia B10 big brother, Lancia's new small car - the Appia - was premiered at the Turin Motor Show in 1953. At the end of 1937 Lancia had acquired the services of the celebrated automobile engineer, Vittorio Jano, formerly with Alfa Romeo, and the Appia was one of the great man's first post-war designs.

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.

Complementing the standard Appia saloon was a series of limited-edition models produced on a separate chassis and bodied by leading carrozzeria, Pinin Farina 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 Zagato's trademark lightweight, aluminium, aerodynamic coachwork, could touch 100mph (160km/h). These coachbuilt models were hand-built in very limited numbers, with no two exactly alike.

Completed on 5th April 1958, this example retains its original engine and key mechanical components, confirming it as a matching-numbers example. This car is chassis number '81201*1425' and is fitted with engine number '81400*5787'. Additional mechanical components (all recorded) are as follows:

• Body no. 425
• Gearbox no. 440
• Differential no. 365
• Rear suspension no. 19134
• Steering box no. 19170

Finished in Argento Auteuil (silver metallic) with Rosso & Avorio (Red & Cream) interior, the car retains matching colours: a refined and period-correct combination that beautifully complements the delicate Zagato bodywork.

The car benefits from a well-documented Italian history, tracing its ownership over several decades:

• 27/09/1958: a resident of Catania, with first registration "50673 CT"
• 22/01/1962: a resident of Livorno who kept ownership of the car until September 1977
• 14/09/1977: a resident of Grosseto who kept ownership of the car until the 30/04/2010 when it passed to a resident of Siena.


The car was acquired by the current Belgian owner in March 2018.

The car is accompanied by exceptionally comprehensive documentation:

• Original Italian libretto
• ACI Registro Pubblico extract (1970)
• Original Italian black plates (GR137958)
• Lancia Certificato di Origine (03/2018)
• Centro Storico FIAT extract (03/2018)
• ASI Certificato di Identità (12/2012)
• ACI archival extract (11/2018)

The car benefits from an older restoration (2005-2006), which has aged gracefully, and comes with an extensive photographic documentation of the restoration on file. We are advised by the vendor that the car is in running condition but the braking system requires attention prior to road use.

The Lancia Appia Zagato is increasingly recognised as one of the most refined and appealing coachbuilt Italian cars of the 1950s. As smaller coachbuilt cars are increasingly appreciated, the Appia Zagato stands out as a true connoisseur's choice. A beautifully preserved and highly authentic example of the Lancia Appia GT Zagato, this car is a true jewel-like Italian classic, offering charm, usability and increasing collector appeal in equal measure. While not eligible for the Mille Miglia due to its production date, the car remains perfectly suitable for touring events, Concours d'Elegance, and specialist historic gatherings; indeed, earlier this year the Appia participated in the Antwerp Concours.