The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Lancia Appia Gran Lusso by Vignale
The Lancia Appia Gran Lusso, unveiled in 1956, is a remarkable example of bespoke automotive craftsmanship. Lancia, in its commitment to innovation, produced 12 chassis of the Appia for various coachbuilders. Among these, Vignale took on the challenge with enthusiasm, crafting three distinct models that set the stage for a deeper collaboration between the coachbuilder and Lancia. This partnership soon led to Vignale’s involvement in the mass production of the Appia Convertible and the Coupe Lusso. The Gran Lusso stands out as a one-off prototype that combines grandeur with elegance. Its design features a strikingly large chrome front grille, which lends the vehicle a commanding presence on the road. The inclusion of white wall tires further accentuates its luxurious appearance, aligning with the formal styling cues of the era. As a production prototype, the Appia Gran Lusso represents the culmination of Lancia’s and Vignale’s joint efforts, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and high standards of craftsmanship. This vehicle not only highlights the design innovations of the time but also serves as a precursor to the production models that followed. The Appia Gran Lusso embodies the sophistication and elegance characteristic of 1950s luxury automobiles, standing as a testament to the creative vision and technical expertise that defined this golden age of automotive design. Its unique blend of formal style and innovative features make it a significant chapter in the history of automotive coachbuilding.
The story of Carrozzeria Vignale represents one of the many somewhat forgotten success stories born against the backdrop of an Italy that was torn apart by the Second World War and which, starting from the end of the 1950s, was able to recover enough to know a real miracle. economical just a few years later.
