New to me: 1957 Appia sedan

[Aaron]

Hello all!

I have recently purchased a 1957 Appia, a machine that is totally new to me. I have always owned classic Mercedes, Jaguars, Triumphs, MGs, etc..etc..but this is my first venture into a classic Lancia. Basically, I am going to be needing some information on good sources of spares here in the USA as well as someone who might be able to provide me with some service information on these carly cars. I do travel to Europe frequently (mainly the UK) and I understand that Omicron is a good source over there. As my car hasn't yet arrived to my house yet, I still don't know what all I'm going to need for it, trim-wise or mechanically. I'm certainly not afraid to take on this challenge as I restore German and British cars for a living so anyone with a lot of spares for these cars, please chime in and let me know what ya got! Thanks in advance, I hope to be frequenting this board!

Rgds,
Aaron

[Chris]

Hi Arron,
You really need to contact Don Cross who runs the Appia Consortium based in the UK (email doncross@lineone.net tel: +44 1386 870385). The consortium can supply or obtain most mechanical parts as well as providing a wealth of advice. I could not run my 2 Appias (S3 Berlian and a Vignale Convertible) without Don and the Consortium. More info on the Viva Lancia! site at http://www.viva-lancia.com/appia/index.htm

Chris

[Joe]

Dear Aaron,
Perhaps we can share the journey. I just purchased a 1959 Lancia Appia convertible, body by Vignale. I have no info, and know little about this car. It was a barn find in New Jersey, USA, near where I live. The engine was frozen after sitting 27 years, but we got her started and she runs fine.
Now for the brakes.... The first thing I need to know is what type of brake fluid should be used. Castrol? Mineral oil? Would you or anyone out there know? Thank you very much. Best Regards, Joe
PS... Aaron, Tell me about your 1957 Appia.

[Randy Adams]

Hello:

Welcome to the wonderful and occasionally exasperating world of old Lancia ownership in the U.S..

Keep your Omicron connection. But also in the U.S., you can source parts for pre-Fiat Lancias (such as the Appia) from Mike Kristick. His address is:

155 Mocking Bird Road
Wellsville, PA 17365

His phone number is (717) 292-2962.

I am not aware of an e-mail address for him.

Be aware that Mike sells Lancia parts on the side while earning a "real" living elsewhere. Because of this, it is more useful to call him between 5:00 and about 9:00 in the evening his time. And give him reasonable time to act on your request. He is honest and quite knowledgeable. I'm not sure if he has personally owned any Appias, but he probably has. This is not a problem either way. I don't believe he has ever owned a Flaminia but he's always been very helpful to me in getting parts for mine.

Seriously consider joining the American Lancia Club. There are many Appia partisans in this group.

Concerning what brake fluid to use, the early drum brake Flaminia works great on Castrol. I expect the Appias are similar.

[Joe]

Dear Randy..... Thanks for your quick response, great suggestions, and info on the brake fluid. I'm on my way! This forum is great. Best Regards, Joe

[Lucas Geheniau]

Hi,

At the Viva-Lancia homepage, you can order two Appia CD's containing the factory repair manual and the parts manual.

Regards,

Lucas

[Joe]

Thanks Lucas for the CD info. I joined the Appia Consortium...Don Cross is extremely helpful. Just received the master brake cylinder rebuild kit and will begin the project this week. Joe