THE LOWDOWN

WHAT TO PAY

Lancia sold a total of 2370 Series 1 cars between 1986 and 1988, and 1601 Series 2 up to 1992 worldwide. All cars were left-hand drive, limiting its appeal in the UK when new. Although a handful found UK buyers originally, quite a few have been imported in the intervening years. Prices today start from around £8000, for which you can expect a car needing some work or with high mileage.

Increase your budget to around £13,000 for a car with good history and reasonable miles. As always, it’s the very best examples with low mileages that attract collectors and more serious price tags. Expect a dealer to be asking in excess of £20,000 for such a car.

LOOK OUT FOR…

Worried about that engine? Rebuilds can be expensive – it is a Ferrari engine after all – but, just as in the 308, it’s a reliable unit if looked after. Regular specialist maintenance is the key, which has not always been the case when values were at their lowest. Early cars feature Ferrari-built engines, while a batch of later S2s were assembled by Ducati.

A lot of parts were shared with the regular Thema, but any components unique to the 8.32 can be difficult or expensive to replace. Evidence of a freshly rebuilt water pump is desirable, as it’s different from the one used in the 308. Rough running could be down to the Magneti Marelli ignition needing attention.

If you think that Lancia means rust, then you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The Thema was galvanised from new and, unless it has been used throughout winter on salted roads (which is unlikely), serious corrosion is rare.