Lancia Appia Convertibile

Vehicle Overview

The Lancia Appia Convertibile was a stylish and elegant addition to Lancia’s lineup, complementing the existing Appia coupes with a convertible version directly derived from the successful Lusso Coupé. Produced from 1957 to 1962, 1,584 units of the convertible were made in two series: the first series featured two seats, while the later models were modified to accommodate 2+2 seating. The Appia Convertibile was first showcased at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show alongside the 2+2 coupe by Pininfarina. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti and brought to life by the Vignale coachbuilder, the car exuded the classic Lancia quality, known for its excellent finishes and comfortable interior. The two-seater version, often referred to as a “convertible” despite the official “cabriolet” label, featured high-quality leather-covered, adjustable sliding seats and fully retractable side windows. It also had a panoramic windshield and a fully retractable fabric top, making it perfect for open-air driving. A removable hardtop was available as an option for colder seasons. The Appia Convertibile’s design shared some similarities with contemporaneous Lancia models, such as the Pininfarina-designed 2+2 coupe, including the horizontal front grille inspired by the Lancia Flaminia. It was well-received for its clean lines, though some critics pointed out a slight imbalance due to the long rear end. The car’s construction used a lowered, boxed chassis, with a more powerful engine and column-mounted gear shift, developed by Lancia and also used by other famous coachbuilders like Pininfarina and Zagato for their creations. In 1958, the Appia Convertibile was upgraded to a 2+2 configuration, and the engine was slightly enhanced, increasing its output from 53 to 54 horsepower. Despite its elegance, the Appia Convertibile faced tough competition from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, which had a more powerful engine and greater sales success. Production of the Lancia Appia Convertibile was limited, with fewer than 2,000 units built over six years. In contrast, Alfa Romeo’s Giulietta Spider surpassed 17,000 units during its production run. The Appia Convertibile remains a rare and cherished example of Lancia’s craftsmanship from the late 1950s and early 1960s.