Review by Gijsbert-Paul Berk
Wim Oude Weernink, a well-known international automotive journalist and an authority on Lancia has just published a new book about one of his favorites: the Appia.
Next to their famous large, luxurious and fast automobiles such as the Dilambda, Astura, Aurelia and Flaminia, the Turinese firm has always produced attractive smaller luxury models, mainly intended for the European market – but a number of them were also exported to the USA.
Lancia’s luxurious small car, 1950s style.
The Lancia Apia, built from 1953 up to 1963 was preceded by the Augusta (Belna in France) 1932 – 1936, and the Ardea 1939 – 1953, which looked like a scaled down Aprilia.
The Appia was the last small car Lancia designed with their traditional sliding pillar independent front suspension and ultra-short four-cylinder V 4 engine.
Pillarless, made possible by the unitary constructon.
The name Appia was a tribute to the Via Appia, the historic Roman road which dates back to 312 BC. It connected Rome and Brindisi on the Adriatic coast in South Italy.
Oude Weernink’s book covers all aspects and evolutions of the Appia range. Its pedigree, its technical conception and the updates that differentiated the three successive Appia series. Many photos with captions give an interesting overview of the elegant and sporting special bodies designed and made by the iconic Italian coachbuilders; Allemano, Boano, Motto, Pininfarina, Vignale, Zagato and Swiss Ghia Aigle.
Sample page from the book.
But it is also a very useful book for the Appia owner, with a chapter about special accessories available at the time when those cars were young and the tuning equipment to improve the performance and speed of these little machines. There is a section with well-illustrated pages which will help those who restore, repair or want keep their Lancia Appia in perfect shape.
Wim Oude Weernink has written this book with both knowledge and love. His first Lancia was an Appia. And although he has owned a magnificent Astura Coupé and several Aurelia models, he still has two Appia in his garage: an elegant Pininfarina Coupé and a pick-up called a Camioncino.
Wim’s Appia Pick-up
This new Appia book is like the car: compact, practical and fun. A little gem.
Appia GTE with Herbert Dementz
Appia
“Lancia’s Family Jewel Explained”
Author: Wim Oude Weernink
Editor: Leo Van Hoorick
Design: Ketz & Dogs
Format: 288 x 215 mm – 100 pages Publisher: Simon Stevin,
ISBN 9789080649637 Price: Euro 30 + handling & postage Can be ordered online at
For those in the U.S. wanting to purchase a copy of Wim Oude Weernink’s new book Lancia Appia: Lancia’s Family Jewel Explained, cost is $70 including Shipping (US only).
Send a check to:
Michael A Kristick Lancia Spares
155 Mockingbird Rd
Wellsville, Pa. 17365
I’ve had 2 gte zagatos–still have one–and a couple decades back Richard Cross sent me a couple delightful books. they’re small and thick with hard covers. parts books with many optional items, parts numbers etc. every few years I dream about ordering a couple racing seats and plexiglass windows and having some old gentleman who’s been kinda walled off at his desk in the back of some storage area putting them in a crate and sending them to me for $150 or so…
I own two Series 1 Appias and I think I can safely say they are the nicest cars in the world. The Italians call them ‘bomboniere’, which means something along the lines of ‘beautifully gift-wrapped little favour’, and the name is absolutely perfect for these beautifully-made little cars. I have owned well over 100 classic cars over the years, but I have neither owned not seen anything to touch a Series 1 Appia in quality and precision of build.
For some reason, I cannot find the book at the Historicar site or anywhere online but would love to own it. ALso serial Appia owner. Had a series 1 car – the only driving one in the US – and still own a very low-milage, highly original Vignale Convertibile.
Both Michael and I have left messages with the publisher’s website. Hopefully they will respond soon.
Ed.
Price and how to order the Lancia book will be provided soon…Ed.