1956 Lancia Appia Series II Vanette

Fresh thinking in road-car design and success in both racing and rallying are the hallmarks of Lancia, which has always been known for innovative and advanced designs.

By the 1950s the company was fully involved in motorsport, with Lancia winning the great Targa Florio, the Carrera Panamericana, the Liege-Rome-Liege and the Mille Miglia. The road cars were stylish, and in the case of the Appia, which was the mainstay of the company’s fortunes, they were sensibly priced.

The concept was correct from the start: a well-engineered 904-cc V4 engine that suited the punitive Italian vehicle tax system. With the Series II Appia, the engine volume increased to 1,090 cc and discerning buyers could even choose special bodied versions from the likes of Pininfarina, Zagato and Vignale.

Among the options were the commercial variants, ranging from little pickups to vans such as this Series II Furgoncino.

Made for zipping around narrow...