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Lancia Thema 8.32
Ferrari never officially built a four-door sedan, but Lancia did in 1986 when they introduced the Thema 8.32. This was a top of the range Lancia model at the time. It featured a transversally mounted Ferrari 3.0-liter V8 engine from the 308 GTB Quattrovalvole; hence the name. It had eight cylinders with 32 valves. But it wasn’t the first time Ferrari gave its engine to Lancia.
Some 10 years before the Thema 8.32, the Lancia Stratos received a 2.4-liter V6 from the Ferrari Dino. However, this was the first time a Ferrari engine powered a luxury sedan. The Thema 8.32 had 212 HP and seven second 0 to 60 mph times. This was fast for the day as well as for a front-wheel-drive sedan. To call the 8.32 a BMW M5 competitor would be a stretch, but the Thema Ferrari was a comfortable, stylish cruiser.
Lancia also offered a high level of standard equipment and a long list of luxury options. They discontinued the Thema in 1992, selling just over 3,000 of them. This model is unknown to American enthusiasts since they never officially imported the Lancia to the U.S. in the late 80’s. The Thema is mechanically similar to Alfa Romeo 164 or SAAB 9000 which they sold in America.
Fortunately, the Thema 8.32 is now over 25 years old, which means you can legally import it to America. So you will be pleased to find the prices in Europe are below $20,000. But this is affordable considering the rarity and provenance of this extraordinary Italian sedan.