Description Original RHD; one of only 20–50 road-registered Appias in the UK; late Series III model; current owner 5 years; running and driving on site The Lancia Appia was launched in 1953 as a replacement for the ageing pre-war Ardea.

It introduced a larger 1,090cc version of Lancia’s signature V4 engine, redesigned from scratch by Vittorio Jano and borrowing inspiration from the acclaimed Aurelia.

Power was sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed gearbox, and the car retained Lancia traditions such as sliding-pillar independent front suspension and pillarless doors.

As with all Lancia’s of the period – often referred to as “the thinking man’s Alfa Romeo” – build quality was exceptional.

However, quality came at a cost, and early sales were slow compared to cheaper rivals like Fiat and Alfa Romeo’s new Giulietta.

Positive reviews and steady improvements soon boosted demand though, and by the time the third series was produced (1959–63), over 55,000 examples were sold, from ...