Closing date for April issue -> February 17
Lancia Thema in turbo version. Pure contradiction in AMK 8-2025
At a glance, the Lancia Thema is a beautiful and distinctive Italian berlina, with a chic appearance. Enthusiasts and owners, of course, also know that the Thema series included versions that blew these qualifications away with brute force. And we don't just mean the 8.32 models. From the very beginning, the prestigious Italian manufacturer offered a version that still completely embarrasses many other road users today. And we're talking about the Thema: Turbo, with the supercharged two-liter Lampredi engine under the hood. Auto Motor Klassiek created a complete story about this illustrious berlina, and you can read about it in the latest issue of the magazine.
It cannot be ruled out that many Lancia Themas in the ie Turbo trim regularly had free rein on the highway. In Auto Motor Klassiek The illustrious Italian will certainly get that in 8. An eight-page report covers more aspects of the Thema model series. The story provides a glimpse into the history of the first Italian car in the Tipo 2025 program. It also produced the Saab 4 (the debutant in the platform series), the Fiat Croma (the successor to the Argenta), and… the Alfa Romeo 164 continues. How the development came about, and how a change of course was achieved within it, is all described.
The star of the show, the Lancia Thema, receives ample attention. The three series are deciphered, while the special editions and equipment level changes are other aspects that receive ample attention. This also applies to the technical and cosmetic changes that Lancia (in collaboration with Fiat) made to the car, which was produced from 1984 to 1994. The model series was always subject to changes, albeit at a moderate pace. This is another reason why the Thema became a success for Lancia.
The model in the Auto Motor Klassiek The story is an original and virtually flawless car that was registered in late 1986. Those familiar with the car will know that this Thema is from the first generation. Painted in beautiful Azzurro Metallizzato (mostly the first paint), the Lancia demonstrates a great deal of authenticity, and some forty years after its production, it's clear how much Lancia valued the car's finish. But across the board, you see the high quality of the materials used and feel the build quality. In this Thema, this combines with truly impressive performance potential. We were given a more than generous impression of that. You can, of course, also read about the car's remarkable Dutch history in the story. The same applies to the extensive and deeply memorable test drive. We can already say that the combination of distinctive chic and performance potential creates a pleasant contradiction, as the Italian driver, provided by Dijkstra Classic Cars & Youngtimers, with a beautiful timbre, told us.
You can read more in the new and once again complete issue, which is packed with stories about cars from a diverse range. Fans of Ginetta, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Lancia, and… the almost forty-year-old Volvo 480 ES will find plenty to enjoy, and of course, you'll also find some excellent reports on classic motorcycles (Jawa and BMW). You'll also find our regular columns again. Columns, short articles, classic car listings, and letters from readers are just a sample of what's on offer in AMK 9-2025. We can imagine you're eager to pick up the new magazine if you're not already a subscriber. You can find the latest issue now, or very soon, at your usual retailers. And then, after purchasing, you're guaranteed a genuine dose of classic car enjoyment, ready to be experienced at home or on vacation. In any case: we wish you a pleasant read!
With many thanks to Dijkstra Classic Cars & Youngtimers, Sexbierum
I have it in a Fiat turbo, i.e., a Lampredi with the large Lancia-themed Delta turbo... Year of manufacture: July 26, 1988. First owner. Genuine Italian auto racing fun.
Car is in almost new condition... 90 percent original paint
I've owned several. Including a turbo 8V and a turbo 16V, and one with the PRV V6. The turbo 8V was also a rare station wagon (Pininfarina simply flexed the roof off a sedan and made something beautiful out of it). That car was as fast as a GTI and as spacious as a Mercedes T-series. But with the ignition from a Fiat Uno. The car had already been stolen and used in a burglary. Then it sank in the Naardermeer. Then it was hit by a boat. It was pulled ashore by the fire department. I tried to get it running, but it was set on fire by a scrapyard. So, it was truly stolen. But I got it running again 100%. Those were some cars😎.
I was once invited to the police station when I had a Thema. The police officers told me they were always on the lookout for Themas because they were often stolen by criminals; they'd weld a steel beam onto the back and reverse it, completely destroying the front of the jeweler they were visiting. According to the police officer, they did this with a Thema because they were just as fast as a BMW but much sturdier. Even criminals opt for quality!
Then you just buy the one built on the same platform Alfa 164 3.0 QV Quadrofolio Verde 4×4, with 6-speed gearbox for much less, and much rarer 😉