1987 Lancia Thema 8.32

Description

Earlier Series 1 non-cat example from a private collection; fortune spent in the last 8 years with many new parts including timing belt, fuel injectors, brakes and exhaust; just two Dutch owners from new plus our vendor

Dating from June 1987 this Series 1 Lancia Thema 8.32 is finished in Reflex Green (one of just five colour options available when new) and sits on its original 15” 6J five-spoke alloy wheels with only a few subtle 8.32 badges and discreet twin exit exhaust hinting at what this unusual beast is.

Under the bonnet, we find a 2.9 litre F105L Ferrari V8 engine based on that used in the Ferrari 308 and Mondial Quattrovalve, with some assembly by Ducati from castings made at Maranello.  Other interesting differences include fitment of a cross-plane crank rather than typical flat-plane crank as found in Ferraris, smaller valves and different firing order to better suit a luxury four-door saloon model.

The engine featured Bosch KE3-Jetronic fuel injection and helped the engine produce 212bhp without a catalyst as we believe this version to be (or 202bhp with a cat) driving the front wheels via five-speed manual transmission. ABS was fitted along with retractable rear spoiler and speed-sensitive power steering. Performance was smooth and torque-rich rather than being about out-and-out pace with the dash to 60mph taking around 6.8 seconds and a top speed of just under 150mph – not bad for the era, but remember its competition included the BMW M535, Lotus Carlton, Maserati Quattroporte and Ford Sierra Cosworth, all very quick cars.

Inside the well-equipped cabin we find a handmade wood and alcantara interior including door cards and headlining with electric windows, electric front seats, optional digital climate control, heated seats and other luxury appointments.

The car has been with our vendor since purchase from a Dutch collection (Gallery Aaldering) in January 2017 the V5C showing no former keepers since it was registered in the UK. Our vendor, a well-known personality on the vintage car scene, has used and enjoyed the Lancia across Europe for work and play during his 8-year tenure.

The history file includes the V5C, older V5C, owner’s manual (in English), Italian owner’s pack and manuals (in Italian), letter from MDS Ferrari specialist confirming a speedo change in December 2018 (original – 165,955km, replacement showed 100,348km when fitted, car currently shows 113,596km suggesting 165,955km + 13,248km = 179,203km or 111,351 miles in total).

The file also includes the current MOT valid until November 2024 recording just two minor advisories for front tyre wear, six old MOTs and a selection of bills for works undertaken including a recent £5,094 spend at MDS Ferrari Specialist of Staffordshire in August 2022 which saw the fuel metering unit removed and overhauled, eight new fuel injectors, a new coolant thermostat, repairs to the loom and replacement coolant temperature sensor.

November 2018 saw a £4,718 spend on the car with replacement front and rear discs, brake master cylinder, reservoir, brake flexi hoses, rear caliper seals and the aforementioned replacement speedo unit.  February 2017 saw the engine removed for a major timing belt service with other minor works costing some £3,771 by The Light Car Company of Faringdon.

The file also includes other bills including a replacement exhaust, original sales brochure, HMRC import and UK registration docs, copy/original Dutch docs relating to the car's purchase by our vendor, original sales advert for the car from whence our vendor bought it, confirming the car to be a non-cat Series 1 Italian model that was registered in Holland in 2001 with just one former keeper.

A rare and desirable car with only around 20 recorded by DVLA on UK roads that’s had a fortune spent on it by knowledgeable specialists in recent years.

For more information contact - will.daniels@brightwells.com