Lancia by Ferrari. In 1987, the special version of THEMA, in which Ferrari V8 engine was arranged to the chic, traditional sedan body, was released. It was the birth of the car which was called "LANCIA-FERRARI" among automobile enthusiasts. The destined history between LANCIA and FERRARI was traced back to the D-50, the LANCIA grand prix car, which had lead a checkered life. In 1955, Albert Ascari, an ace driver of LANCIA, had died during his test drive of Ferrari at Monza circuit. After the tragic death of Ascari, Gianni Lancia had decided to withdraw from money consuming racing activities, and to sell off the fully tuned up D-50 to Ferrari in order to save the financially distressed LANCIA. The D-50, taken over by Ferrari was re-named LANCIA - FERRARI D-50 and started its racing history. It did not mark a brilliant result in 1955, however, in the following year, D-50 had proved its strong potential with an expert driver Juan Manuel Fangio winning Argentina, U.K., German GPs with D-50 as well as the Drivers Championship. Thirty years after this incident, the destined partnership between LANCIA and FERRARI revived in the current LANCIA THEMA 8.32.

The base engine was the one for Ferrari 308 QV, which was detuned and 180-degree crank was modified to that of 90 degrees for 8.32. It was lower speed torque type compared to the original and generated 215 HP. (Later, it was modified to 200 HP.)

Contrary to the chic exterior, its interior was glossy with everything in leather and wood. The quality leather seats, steering and dashboard were all made by Portlona Frau, the top manufacturer of traditional furniture. Only Italians would come up with such an extravagant idea to have a furniture maker make the automobile seats.

When you need the stability in a high-speed drive, all you have to do is to twist the stick of right steering column, to fly out the rear spoiler. It also works visually, by startling the vulgar driver chasing you.