
The big difference between Fiat / Lancia and GM, Ford and Chrysler is that when Fiat / Lancia looks into their inventory for a V8, they find ones made by Ferrari.
The Lancia Thema was one of four cars to share the "Type Four" chassis along with the Alfa Romeo 164, Fiat Croma and Saab 9000. Visually it was disappointing. From the outside, it almost looked like a car that could have come from Korea. Overall, in my opinion, the standard Thema was marginally better than the Croma, but not half as good as the 9000 and completely outclassed by the 164. It was a decent car that you'd be happy, but not thrilled, to own. All that changed, however, when Lancia introduced the Thema 8.32. This is an extraordinary sedan...

The 8.32 interior got a full luxury treatment, but the body looks like any other Thema (except for the retractable rear spoiler), making this car an ultimate sleeper.

This Thema 8.32 is listed as a 1980 model (wink, wink). It is in overall good condition, needing just some minor work. The seller states "I have 2 Ferraris and they take up all of attention so I will need to pass this rare Lancia to another enthusiast like myself". He is also either very confident or very crazy, as he's offering this car on eBay with no reserve.


A big thanks to JaCG reader, Blair, for sending me the link to this car.
5 comments:
One of these poped up the other day for sale here in Portugal. Very rare indeed. Its a 87 with only 37000 kms and the seller is asking 13,000 euros.
link: http://www.standvirtual.com/carros/Lancia/Thema/P2829609/
Sadly it doesn't really have the Ferrari soundtrack either.
The Ferrari version of the engine used a flat plane crank, which gives it the beautiful exhaust note.
Yeah, I randomly stumbled upon the car while I was bored late last night. I figured it would be perfect for this site. I am flattered that it was posted.
If only it could be imported (legally) into the U.S. instead of having to wait for a few years.
Never before have I come so close to bidding on a car on ebay.
I always felt these were intended for the REALLY rich guys who didn't want to stand out like someone in a Benz or BMW, but still wanted room to travel with his bodyguards and have a car with enough power to outrun kidnappers and/or carry around bulletproof glass and light armoring. So you lose the badgework and tint the windows and the anonymity became a kind of protection in itself.
Alden
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