THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Manufacturer
- Lancia
- Base model
- Appia
- Coachbuilt version
- Gran Lusso Vignale prototype
- Coachbuilder
- Vignale
- Production period
- 1956
- Body style
- Berlina
- Type
- Prototype
- Designer
- Giovanni Michelotti
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR
Coachbuilding, design & conversions
PRICE & SALES RECORD
Vehicle value
- Original price
- Not documented
- Latest recorded sale
- Not documented
01 / THE STORY
History & context
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 Lancia 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.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Prototype
- Production notes
- Exact prototype/concept identity is retained, but production_units=1 is intentionally withheld because the current Master/CI Listing Map does not independently state that this body/configuration was a unique one-off. Programme/family context remains separate.
Design & manufacture
- Designer · Documented
- Giovanni Michelotti
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Lancia
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Vignale
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.
04 / INDIVIDUAL HISTORY
Chassis & provenance
Chassis 812.00.1004
- Chassis number
- 812.00.1004
- Year
- 1956
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 5 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE












THE CONVERSATION
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