A rare and intriguing example of the 1991 Lancia Thema LX Turbo 16v and offered here at no reserve. With just 2 previous keepers recorded, this executive Italian saloon represents a seldom-seen opportunity for the Lancia enthusiast or collector of interesting 1990s performance cars. The accompanying correspondence from the first owner adds particular charm, noting that the car was purchased from a Fiat garage and understood to have been an ex-Lancia demonstrator. He further remarked that, in 30 years of owning and driving cars, this Thema was the best car he had ever driven.
The Vendor also notes that he had long admired the Thema range, originally considering the Ferrari-engined 8:32 before being advised by Richard Thorne, then a Lancia specialist, that the 16v Turbo was the preferable driver’s car; offering comparable performance, right-hand-drive availability and sharper handling due to its lighter front end. This provides a fitting insight into the appeal of the Turbo 16v as one of the most usable and rewarding versions of the Thema.
The car has been dry stored in a shipping container for the last 3 years, having previously been kept in barn storage for a number of years. The service book records 12 stamps up to 52,000 miles, supporting the low mileage displayed. A small selection of invoices is also present, detailing work carried out in 1999. The Vendor advises that, after charging and refitting the battery, a number of dashboard lights operated and the driver’s electric window worked, although the remaining windows were not checked. He also reports that the car was driven into the shipping container when stored, but has not been started for approximately 2½ years. As such, he has sensibly advised that it may be best not to attempt starting the car before a belt service or appropriate recommissioning has been carried out. The brakes, including the handbrake, are reported to work. The car is described by the Vendor as solid, although he notes rust to the rear of the car along the top of the rear window and to the two rear corners of the boot. This is understood to have resulted from water dripping from a barn roof during an earlier period of storage. The boot could not be opened at the time of inspection, though the Vendor advises that it did previously open and was like new inside. The rear passenger-side door also does not currently appear to shut correctly, although it is reported to have done so previously and may require adjustment or attention.
Accompanied by its original book pack and service book, this Thema also comes with an old-style V5, the original Lancia aftercare booklet, a European Lancia service directory issued in Italian, and the original new vehicle document folder. This contains the owner’s handbook, radio guide, dealer location map and service invoices from 1999. Also included are two old-style MOT certificates from 1997 and 1999, together with a small selection of invoices detailing work carried out in 1999. Perhaps most notably, the history file includes a letter from the first owner to a subsequent keeper, giving a personal account of his ownership, the care he gave to the car, and the high regard in which he held it. The Vendor also notes that the car is fitted with a Blaupunkt Toronto SQR 48 stereo cassette player, a desirable period unit in its own right.
The 1991 Lancia Thema LX Turbo 16v was a high-performance, front-wheel-drive Italian executive saloon, combining Giugiaro’s clean, understated styling with a potent 2.0-litre 16-valve turbocharged engine. Producing around 185PS, the Thema Turbo offered impressive performance for its class, with strong overtaking ability and a top speed in the region of 138mph. Built on the Type Four platform shared with the Saab 9000, Fiat Croma and Alfa Romeo 164, the Thema was Lancia’s distinctive take on the premium executive saloon, blending long-distance comfort with discreet performance. The LX trim represented a more luxurious specification, with the model aimed at buyers seeking refinement, pace and Italian flair in equal measure. While the Ferrari-engined 8:32 remains the best-known Thema variant, the Turbo 16v is often regarded by enthusiasts as the more usable and balanced driver’s car, particularly in right-hand-drive form.
Rarely seen today, particularly in Turbo 16v LX form, this Lancia Thema is an appealing project or recommissioning candidate with low mileage, a good original document file and an engaging ownership story. Having been in long-term storage and not run for approximately 2½ years, it will require inspection and recommissioning before road use, but the Vendor’s notes suggest a fundamentally interesting and worthwhile example. Offered at no reserve, this represents an excellent opportunity to acquire an unusual and characterful 1990s Italian performance saloon with genuine collector appeal.
