A Fast and Nimble Camel?
Lancia introduced its new Appia model in 1953. Powered by a 1.1 litre, 10° version of the marque’s V4 engine, the initial variant was a four door Berlina. In Spring ’55, the model was significantly updated. The improvements included the adoption of a platform type of chassis. This opened the possibility of carrozzeria-built variants to extend the range. To explore the potential, Lancia supplied a number of chassis to various of the Italian carrozzeria in late ’55. As a result, Zagato was able the following April to present its version at the Turin Show. This car, with chassis number 812.01.1005, incorporated Zagato’s signature body-form cues in terms of twin roof bulges and echoing reiterations of these in the bonnet and boot panels. Lancia Appia GT Zagato prototype, 812.01.1005. © IXO Collections SAS © Lancia D.R. Lancia itself was not at first especially taken by Zagato’s interpretation – preferring to ‘approve’ a drophead by Vignale an...