In 1986 Lancia launched the Thema 8.32 – a saloon car with a Ferrari 3.0-litre Dino V8. Sadly this isn’t it.
This is a 2.0-litre 16V Thema, but it does come in rare Jade Green. Once a not uncommon sight on our roads, the Thema has quietly stepped into the wings and waits patiently to walk out for an encore of mildly classic status.
In the meantime the Thema makes an intriguing buy. This was the car that Lancia used to smarten up its act after the disintegration of its reputation happened as quickly as that of its cars’ bodywork.
The Thema shared a chassis with none other than the Saab 9000, a car Swedish people drive across icebergs, and the bodywork was galvanised. Build quality was improved over previous Lancias and it was hoped it would be a turnaround for the company.
Unfortunately it wasn’t. The er, rot, had set in and by 1994 the Thema was withdrawn along with the brand from these shores. Like Arnie, it might be back, but then he ended up being crushed at the end of Terminator if I remember correctly.
The Thema shouldn’t be overlooked though because not only does it feature vaguely handsome styling, it was a decent steer and is becoming increasingly rare. The 155bhp 16v four pot in this Thema should give it respectable performance but you’d be better off wafting around with the smugness of someone with an unusual barge, and the anxiety of someone who thinks their car will break down any minute.
What you are getting here is a ’93 Thema – one of the very last UK examples – in ‘excellent condition’. It has recently been serviced and comes with the security of a Thatcham cat 1 alarm, because you’re gonna need that. Not much else is known about the car but if you’re feeling brave, take a punt. What’s the worst that could happen...?
Carandclassic.co.uk ad reads: ‘Lancia Thema series 3 16v LE For Sale (1993), Last of this series three in very rare jade green and in excellent condition, comes with cd radio and thatcham cat 1 alarm, recent new battery and services, £800.’