How about another poster boy for 1980s sports sedan creativity? By now, the Lancia Thema 8.32 hardly requires introduction. The result of the Type Four collaboration among Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Fiat, and Saab, the Thema was Lancia's premium mid-size sedan from the late 1980s into the 1990s. With an engine design from Marenello and assembly help from Ducati in Bologna, the Thema 8.32 received a modified variant of the Dino V8, called the Tipo 105L in cross-plane form.

Thema 8.32s are lustworthy on principal; how many sleepy European sedans got Ferrari lumps, ever? So we don't mean to throw a wet blanket on the idea in pointing out that Alfa Romeo totally won the Type Four platform contest. Ever care to look up the power numbers for an Alfa Romeo 164 Q4? If you've already bought your Thema 8.32, skip to the end of this post. Alright, ready? The 164 Q4 made a cool 232hp vs 212hp in the Thema 8.32. Better yet, it routed that power through an AWD driveline, thereby quelling the inherent torque-steer of a high-power FWD drivetrain.

Year: 1988
Model:  Lancia Thema 8.32
Engine: 2.9L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  95,248
Price: $37,975
Location: Monterey, CA

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 Lancia Thema 8.32

Ferrari V8 Powered Executive Sedan ... fresh engine-out service, fully sorted, professionally restored and mechanically A1. Truly cherry.

Rare and remarkable Ferrari V8 powered executive saloon. The car being offered for sale was recently discovered by our team in Italy and has undergone a full mechanical restoration and a thorough cosmetic refresh, inside and out in the last six months. We have just imported the car and all paperwork is in order. 

We started with a very original, low mileage example in very good overall condition. Front subframe and engine were removed for a complete engine out service and rebuild. The Ferrari V8 received a full valve job, new rings, new flywheel, new clutch and fully refreshed ignition and fuel injection systems. The engine, cover and manifolds were refinished in the original colors and finishes. Driveshafts and drive system serviced and refreshed. Engine compartment cleaned and detailed prior to engine reinstallation. New full exhaust system installed. 

Exterior panels were refinished in original factory shade of metallic red. Double clear coat laid over the metallic burgundy finish and hand sanded to a high luster. Bumper covers repainted. The undercarriage is rust and damage free, undercoating has been refreshed as required. Wheels have been cleaned, inspected and refreshed, fitted with period correct tires all around with 75% tread depth remaining. Comes with a second set of new, period correct tires.

The original plush Alcantara interior has been meticulously cleaned and detailed, including a refresh and refit of the unique headliner. Seats, dash and carpeting are now in superb, original condition. Trunk linings have been removed, cleaned and reinstalled. Various interior trim pieces renewed, all interior lights, switches and electronics checked and redone as necessary. Retractable rear spoiler is fully functional and fitted with new, unique seals.

The engine starts readily, runs very strong, idles nicely, and shows Ferrari power and grace under acceleration. The car sounds fantastic with the expected Ferrari V8 edge to the well muffled tone. Gearbox shifts cleanly and smoothly, new clutch engages progressively and the entire drivetrain shows the level of sophistication expected of an executive car. Handling is crisp and accurate with a reassuring stability. Torque steer is well controlled by the advanced front end geometry and suspension design.

All details have been professionally attended to and this car is fully sorted and ready to enjoy.
Rare, intelligent, sophisticated and refined the Lancia Thema 8.32 is a very special motorcar.

RESTORATION DETAILS 2018 work
Engine Out complete rebuild
Flywheel resurfaced
Valve Job inc. new valves and guides
Strip and Refinish all painted parts
Rebuild Brake Calipers
New Brake Pads
Service Fuel Tank and Pump
New Timing Belts and Idlers
Front Subframe removed, bushings replaced as needed
New Exhaust System inc. Flex Connectors
Driveshaft bearings, seals, CV joints
Wheels cleaned and polished

Original Interior Refreshed
Refitted Headliner
Clean & Detail Upholstery and Carpets
All Interior lights & electronics checked
Refitted Trunk liner
New Retractable rear spoiler seals

Original paint refreshed as needed
Hand sanded, new double clear coat finish
Bumper Covers repainted and finished

Odometer 153,287 Km = 95,248 miles
Car is located in San Francisco, shipping to any US location can be arranged.
Viewing by appointment

Offered at $37,975 plus tax & DMV ... serious inquiries only please.

All import paperwork is in order. This car will come with a valid Vermont registration, Vermont plates and a bill of sale. Please note that Vermont does not produce titles for cars that are more than 15 years old. Registration in most states should not be an issue, but please check local regulations.

Elephant in the room: this seller wants almost $40k for a nearly 100,000 mile Thema 8.32. $40k is collector money for a car that has most definitely exceeded a collector level of mileage. Is the condition collector-worthy? Well, the engine has seen some major rework, including a claimed rebuild and some head work. The exterior was refinished in the original color, while the interior remains original. Sounds like the basis for an excellent car, yes, but we don't see the original condition often sought by collectors. More than anything, the seller is banking on the rarity of the car leading to a rather optimistic price.

We would need quite a large collection before we'd shell out nearly $40k for a Thema 8.32. And that collection would definitely include an Alfa Romeo 164 Q4. Moreover, we'd go for a common Alfa Romeo 164 Q, without the AWD, before we'd pick up the Thema 8.32. Better styling, quicker acceleration, higher top speed, and better handling rule the 164 Q superior. But, there is no denying the appeal of a Lancia with a Ferrari engine, and we love the Thema 8.32 for that reason. Hopefully we can share a more realistically-priced Thema 8.32 for you all in the near future.

-Graham