The Lancia Thema was the appreciated flagship of the Turin-based company, in the lively eighties. This car was able to connect to the noble tradition of the brand, offering a balanced mix of luxury and class. Its debut took place at Turin Motor Showin November 1984. The feeling with the public was immediate, thanks to the lines of the bodywork and the high quality content of its construction.
The commercial success, achieved in three series of the model, was the natural consequence of this appreciation. Even today, 40 years after its birth, people talk about it with enthusiasm. This does not happen for all cars, especially those that do not belong to the highest segments of the market, such as supercars. A proof of its qualities.
Remaining in production until 1994, the Lancia Thema was delivered in over 370 thousand specimens. It is not a record figure in an absolute sense, but taking into account the nature of the car and the limited outlet markets, we can speak, without fear of denial, of a great commercial success. It deserves the title of luxury sedan best-selling model of the Lancia brand. A record that is not insignificant.
The platform was shared with the Fiat Croma, the Saab 9000 and theAlfa Romeo 164. Compared to the latter, which entered the price list a few years later, the Thema had a less streamlined appearance, but its aim was not to present itself to the eye with a sporty look. Here the target was elegance: an objective fully achieved by the designers.
In my opinion, only the rear light clusters weighed down the picture, but I must admit that the choice of their physiognomy infused a specific and distinctive character to the model, contributing to its singularity. stylistic personalitywhich made it unmistakable. It breaks our hearts to note today the absence of a flagship of this kind in the Turin manufacturer’s price list, but times change, unfortunately not always for the better.
A version of the Lancia Thema was also offered Station Wagonwhich was able to show off in the E segment, but the heart’s favor went to the 3-volume sedan, more in tune with the mission of representation, somehow inherent in its spirit. Despite its corpulent features, this car managed to offer excellent aerodynamic smoothness, well represented by the Cx of 0.32.
The passenger compartment, tastefully finished and very quiet, offered executive trips appreciated by its clientele. Some did not digest the choice of front-wheel drive, but this made it easier to drive. On the engine front, you could choose between propulsion units 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (aspirated and turbo), 2.8-liter 6-cylinder, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder. A 1.6 version was also born, in a few examples, which could be profiled as a genetic experiment. Also petrol. Then there was the 2.5-liter Turbodiesel.
The flagship of the range was the Lancia Thema 8.32also known as Thema Ferrari, powered by a heart Made in Maranello: a 3.0-liter V8, with four valves per cylinder, capable of developing 215 HP of power and 29 kgm of torque. The top speed was set at 240 km/h: an uncommon figure for a front-wheel drive. Chapeau!
Source: www.autoblog.it
