Lancia Appia GT Zagato (1958)

Matching Numbers & Colours · Aluminium Zagato Coachwork · Documented Italian History

The Appia Zagato Experience

Few cars capture the essence of post-war Italian craftsmanship as delicately and intelligently as the Lancia Appia GT Zagato. A product of Lancia’s engineering precision and Zagato’s lightweight philosophy, it represents a perfect harmony between technical sophistication and artisanal design.

Compact, aerodynamic, and beautifully proportioned, the Appia Zagato is defined by its hand-formed aluminium body, featuring signature Zagato elements such as covered headlights, minimalist bumpers, and subtle aerodynamic shaping. Every detail—from the elegant pop-out door handles to the finely executed interior fittings—reflects a purity of purpose rarely found in later cars.

Powered by Lancia’s advanced narrow-angle V4 engine, the Appia offers a uniquely engaging driving experience: light, rev-happy, and remarkably agile, embodying the spirit of Italian gran turismo in its most refined and lightweight form.

Model Context & Rarity

The Appia Zagato occupies a special place in the evolution of Italian sports cars:

• Built on the Lancia Appia platform, renowned for its engineering sophistication

• Featuring lightweight aluminium coachwork by Zagato

• Produced in very limited numbers, with each example exhibiting subtle individuality

These cars were conceived not as luxury grand tourers, but as lightweight sporting machines, often used in period competition and long-distance touring alike.

Today, the Appia Zagato is increasingly appreciated for its:

• Pure driving characteristics

• Elegant and compact design

• Strong link to Italy’s golden era of coachbuilding

Identity & Authenticity

• Model: Lancia Appia GT Zagato

• Year: 1958

• Type: 812.01

• Chassis: 81201*1425

• Engine: 81400*5787

• Matching numbers: Yes

Additional mechanical components (all recorded and consistent):

• Body no.: 425

• Gearbox no.: 440

• Differential no.: 365

• Rear suspension no.: 19134

• Steering box no.: 19170

• Production date: 5 April 1958

• Assigned to: Carrozzeria Zagato

The car retains its original engine and key mechanical components, confirming its authenticity and integrity as a true matching-numbers example.

Colours & Specification

• Exterior (original): Argento Auteuil (Grigio Argento Metallizzato)

• Interior (original): Rosso & Avorio (Red & Cream)

• Body: Aluminium (Zagato)

The car is confirmed matching colours, presenting in a refined and highly period-correct combination that beautifully highlights the delicate Zagato bodywork.

History, Provenance & Documentation

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

• 27/09/1958 – Francesco A.,Catania, first plate 50673CT

• 22/01/1962 – Alberto B., Livorno

• 17/06/1970 – Still with Alberto B., Pisa

• 14/09/1977 – A., Monte Argentario, Grosseto, numberplate GR137958

• 30/04/2010 – Giovanni A. C., Siena

• 03/2018 – Acquired by current Belgian owner

The car is accompanied by an exceptional set of documentation, including:

• 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)

• Extensive restoration photo documentation

This level of documentation provides a strong foundation for both historical verification and future collectability.

Condition & Mechanical State

The car benefits from an older restoration, which has aged gracefully and retains an authentic character consistent with its era.

• Mechanically well sorted

• Engine runs strongly with no oil loss

• Gearbox operates smoothly and correctly

The car offers a highly enjoyable driving experience, with the lightweight chassis and responsive V4 engine delivering a lively and engaging feel on the road.

Collectability & Market Position

The Lancia Appia Zagato is increasingly recognised as one of the most refined and intellectually appealing coachbuilt Italian cars of the 1950s.

Key factors supporting its collectability include:

• Zagato aluminium coachwork

• Matching numbers and colours

• Documented Italian ownership history

• Strong originality and correct specification

• Compact, lightweight and highly usable driving characteristics

  
  

While not eligible for the Mille Miglia due to its production date, the car remains perfectly suited for:

• Touring events

• Concours d’elegance

• Specialist historic gatherings

As appreciation grows for smaller, more delicate coachbuilt cars, the Appia Zagato stands out as a true connoisseur’s choice—subtle, rare, and deeply rewarding.

Summary

A beautifully preserved and highly authentic example of the Lancia Appia GT Zagato, combining:

• Matching numbers and colours

• Elegant original specification

• Well-documented Italian provenance

• Desirable aluminium Zagato coachwork

A true “jewel-like” Italian classic, offering charm, usability, and increasing collector appeal in equal measure.