1962 Lancia Appia GTE - Coachwork by Zagato

Styled like its Aurelia B10 big brother, Lancia’s new Appia small car arrived in 1953. The Lancia tradition of outstanding innovation in automotive technology was exemplified by the Appia’s ultra-compact engine, a narrow-angle (10°) 1,089cc V4 whose inclined overhead-valves were set in hemispherical combustion chambers and operated by twin camshafts in the block. 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-style Series II cars came with a lengthened wheelbase and more power (up from 38 to 43bhp) while the final (third) 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 carrozzeria, Pininfarina being responsible for the Coupé, Vignale the Cabriolet and Zagato the GT Coupé. Engine power was increased to 59bhp for these more sporting Appias which, when equipped with Zagato’s lightweight, aerodynamic coachwork, could touch 100mph.

Dating from 1962, this Series II left-hand drive GTE Coupé is typical of Zagato's work of the period. It was delivered new to a Tullio Sergio in Ancona (they went on to run Ferrari 275s in the Mille Miglia). Little is known of the cars early years, but it was sold in 1987 to Fabbri Gabriele in Riccione and then put on display in the Hotel Promenade & Residence Museum just south of Rimini. There are two photos in the history file (and on our website) of the Lancia competing on the Monte Carlo - Sestriere Rally – these are unfortunately undated. Our vendor bought the little Lancia with his father some 30 years ago and it was used until around 2010 before joining their impressive private Collection and has not turned a wheel since. There is without doubt more to find out about this rare car and doing the research on a winter’s evening with a bowl of fresh pasta and a glass of Barolo could be rewarding.

The car is supplied with its original L’Ispettorato log book, hotel brochure showing the car in the hotel museum and various receipts and items of correspondence. The car has never been UK-registered.

With restored examples having achieved over £100k, this project example with competition provenance is sure to excite.