Hi Lancia Owners,
I wanted some help on a 1959 Appia convertible. I wanted to know the market value for one. Does anyone know someone who has bought or sold an Appia in the last few years? Are they worth the cost of restoring? Is anyone still driving their Appia? Any information would help. I am trying to make a decision on whether or not to restore one that needs some work
Thank you
Appia Question
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Geoffrey Goldberg
Re: Appia Question
Here are some thoughts - the Appia (for market value) is probably not worth restoring. It is not clear what you might have in mind as a goal for restoration, as there is tremendous differences among people as to what restoration means.
For some it is good mechanicals, and fresh paint. For others, its back to the bare chassis and rebuilding/replacing everything - every grommet, every screwhead. There are very very few cars that are worth that.
The irony is that almost any car, when restored, is worth less than the cost of restoration. Sometimes, people in this business even quantify this - as the end value may be about 1/2 of what it costs to restore. Depending on the complexity, some are less than that. Only Ferraris, and a few others (some, and not all) are worth the investment.
People do restorations because they want to. They love that car and want to make it right. They even enjoy doing it.
As to Appias - I have one and enjoy it. We drive it, we like it, and it has wonderful pleasures on its own. Its a jewel, and is a treasure. Is it worth fixing up? Absolutely. Just don't go nuts, keep your eye on the costs and scope of the project, and don't aim to resell it and recoup your dollars. Just have fun.
Geoff
For some it is good mechanicals, and fresh paint. For others, its back to the bare chassis and rebuilding/replacing everything - every grommet, every screwhead. There are very very few cars that are worth that.
The irony is that almost any car, when restored, is worth less than the cost of restoration. Sometimes, people in this business even quantify this - as the end value may be about 1/2 of what it costs to restore. Depending on the complexity, some are less than that. Only Ferraris, and a few others (some, and not all) are worth the investment.
People do restorations because they want to. They love that car and want to make it right. They even enjoy doing it.
As to Appias - I have one and enjoy it. We drive it, we like it, and it has wonderful pleasures on its own. Its a jewel, and is a treasure. Is it worth fixing up? Absolutely. Just don't go nuts, keep your eye on the costs and scope of the project, and don't aim to resell it and recoup your dollars. Just have fun.
Geoff
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Jorn van Beckhoven
Re: Appia Question
One is currently on offer through the website of Omicron, asking price is GBP 4,500. The car appears to be in good condition.
cheers,
Jorn
cheers,
Jorn
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Steve Katzman
Re: Appia Question
If you decide to go ahead with the project, realize, as Geoff says, that you're doing it because you like the car, not because it is financially viable. Get in touch with local(ish) Appia people for parts and advice. Sounds like you're in my neck of the woods. Drop me an email, perhaps I can send you in the right direction. Steve
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Cory Youngberg
Re: Appia Question
I recently purchased two second series Appia Berlina's for $4,000. One was restored 20 years ago and the other is a running parts car. Both cars were USA models, originally sold in California and extremely rust free except for the closing panel underneath the trunk. I spent about $1,500 recommissioning the restored car in terms of going through the brakes, fixing a suspension leak, and putting in exhaust system. I was very fortunate in finding an experienced Lancia mechanic very near where I live. Without the experienced mechanic, the car would be quite a challenge to repair properly as my mechanic knew the secrets of working on Lancias. I can drive the car everyday in town with no problem. I just need to leave enough stopping distance for the drum brakes. I recently drove the car 150 miles on the freeway at 70 to 75 with no problem and could keep up with traffic. I would not hesitate to drive the car on a 1,000 mile trip. One secret is to buy the best car available and get in touch with a competent mechanic. In the course of investigating the Appia model, I came in touch with a Jaan Hjorth in the Berkeley area. His work phone is (510) 845-9986 and works on Italian cars from the 60's. I would strongly recommend a prepurchase inspection with someone who knows the problems and pitfalls of older Lancia's. This expertise is invaluable.
In terms of pricing, a 59 Appia Zagato sold last August at auction in Monterey to a european dealer for about $16,000. The car most likely needed to be completely restored and was in a number 4 out of 5 condition. I would not want to write the checks to remove the rust and restore the aluminum body work. The Zagato is considered the best model to have due to the lightweight bodywork. An Appia convertible would fall in between the sedans and the Zagato.
Try and puchase as complete a car as possible with all the missing trim pieces. If you have come accross a very original car that has sat in a garage for its entire life, without any rust, you will have made an excellent choice. It will be very hard to get your restoration costs back when you go to sell. There is a saying "buy the restoration and get the car for free" because whoever pays for new paint and mechanical recommissioning will have a hard time recouping their investment.
Try and hook up with the local Lancia Appia experts for their opinions on the car. I have also found their experience invaluable. I would not recommend a purchase of a car with needs.
In terms of pricing, a 59 Appia Zagato sold last August at auction in Monterey to a european dealer for about $16,000. The car most likely needed to be completely restored and was in a number 4 out of 5 condition. I would not want to write the checks to remove the rust and restore the aluminum body work. The Zagato is considered the best model to have due to the lightweight bodywork. An Appia convertible would fall in between the sedans and the Zagato.
Try and puchase as complete a car as possible with all the missing trim pieces. If you have come accross a very original car that has sat in a garage for its entire life, without any rust, you will have made an excellent choice. It will be very hard to get your restoration costs back when you go to sell. There is a saying "buy the restoration and get the car for free" because whoever pays for new paint and mechanical recommissioning will have a hard time recouping their investment.
Try and hook up with the local Lancia Appia experts for their opinions on the car. I have also found their experience invaluable. I would not recommend a purchase of a car with needs.
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Thoms
Re: Appia Question
Thanks for the advice you guys.
The car belongs to my father and I was deciding what to do with it. I think now I will try to sell it. It needs too much work for me. It would at least make a good parts car. I will post an ad on the viva-lancia for sale section.
The car belongs to my father and I was deciding what to do with it. I think now I will try to sell it. It needs too much work for me. It would at least make a good parts car. I will post an ad on the viva-lancia for sale section.