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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Lancia Appia Gran Lusso Vignale

1956Coachwork by Vignale

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1956
Body style
Berlina
Type
Prototype

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

04 / INDIVIDUAL HISTORY

Chassis & provenance

Chassis 812.00.1004
Chassis number
812.00.1004
Year
1956

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

No publishable archival references are currently catalogued for this vehicle.

THE CONVERSATION

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