1987 LANCIA THEMA 8.32

MODEL HISTORY The late 1980s was a challenging time for European carmakers and, in order to save on development costs, Lancia partnered with SAAB, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat to jointly develop a shared platform for a new executive class, luxury sedan. It proved to be an inspired idea that spawned four unique vehicles each with genuine brand character. The Lancia Thema (Type 834) was the executive car produced by the Italian automaker between 1984 and 1994, and one of those which shared the Type Four platform alongside the Alfa Romeo 164, Fiat Croma, and Saab 9000. The SAAB influence was very beneficial in many ways, particularly rust-proofing and component reliability. The Thema re-established Lancia as a high-quality luxury manufacturer with a galvanized steel chassis and rust protection that equaled or bettered that of its competitors. Build quality was much higher than the Fiat Croma's and on par with the Saab 9000, with which it shared a great deal of body engineering, including doors. The Thema was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and was considered one of the most spacious and comfortable European cars of its time. The lines are clean and classic, understated, and elegant. A prominent rear spoiler adds some flair. In an effort to move upmarket and establish a prestige flagship model, Lancia fitted a modified Ferrari V8 to the top of the line Thema variant - the 8.32, for V8, 32 valves. This accomplished its purpose from a PR angle, but the Thema 8.32 was very expensive at the time of its introduction and sales were very limited. Fewer than 4,000 Thema 8.32 models were built from 1986 to 1992, making the car very special and rare today. First shown at the Turin Auto Show in 1986, the Thema 8.32 was assembled at Lancia's San Paolo plant in Turin. Under the hood was a 2927 cc, Tipo F105L, Ferrari V8. Based on the unit used in the Ferrari 308 and in the Ferrari Mondial Quattrovalvole, it was modified to accommodate front-wheel drive and returned for more robust low and mid-range torque. The engine differed from other Ferrari V8s of the time in that it was equipped with a cross-plane type crankshaft rather than the usual flat-plane crankshaft, smaller valves, and different firing order. Both Series 1 and 2 cars in non catalyzed form produced 212 HP and were capable of 0–60 mph in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph, whilst catalyzed versions were slightly detuned. In addition to a sonorous exhaust note, the Thema 8.32 offered strong performance and excellent refinement. The interior is notably well designed and luxuriously trimmed. A true Q ship, the Thema 8.32 offers very high performance and a very low profile.

Added 13 Apr 2026