Lancia Motor Club

Hi everyone, I've been a member for years but not very computer literate. I've had all sorts of Lancias; Gammas, Betas, Fulvis, Flavias, but I've now been offered what looks like a minter Thema 8.32, metallic black, black leather, full history, by a local dealer who happens to be a Lancia nut (he bought my Gamma years ago). He's looking for £5.5k which seems reasonable, but I don't know the pitfalls of this wicked machine, is there any particular thing(s) I should look for. If anyone out there is the club expert I'd really appreciate a reply, or a post or a blog or whatever it's called. Regards to all, will be at the AGM, maybe in the 8.32, or the HPE I've currently got (it's also a minter).

Send a PM or email to  - 832Spain -  check member list of this forum, he has two and probably
knows more than most about these beasts.

Geoff

And the Thema consortium guys (see VL) will be able to give you the rundown on the standard Thema stuff - where to hunt for tinworm etc.  Think the engine just needs regular maintenance, oil, belts etc.  Evidence of service history will be an essential I imagine!!

Hi Derek,

Although some members will have a lot more info than I do, for what it is worth I had an 8.32 some years ago. Changing the belts frequently seems de rigeur (a Ferrari 308 has suggested belt changes every 2 years). Although on paper probably no faster than the 16v turbo, much better power delivery, very linear and driving the car always felt a bit of an occasion. Left hand drive and lashings of leather probably helped too.

Mine had 100k miles and ran very sweetly so no worries about durability on that front provided it has been looked after. General car buying advice -make sure absolutely EVERYTHING works on it. The cost of repairing non-working things can be high.
I would suggest, if practicable, you get someone who knows 8.32's well to have a look.

Mine made an absolutely fabulous sound, much nicer than the Ferrari equivalent probably because of the different firing order and exhaust......worth buying for that alone. After all, you only live once, and the noise is to die for (not that this is cause and effect!)
Jai

Thanks for the info so far guys. Hi Jai, how are you, long time no see. I'll check in again after work tomorrow,
Regards
Del

Hi Del. I reckon he's after revenge for buying the Gamma. ;) ;). Good Luck. Roger.

Oi, I seem to remember you may have yearned for a Gamma but were refused ownership :-)

 ::) Very true . But I wondered how long it would take for you to reply. :D My father had a sedan in the late 70s early 80s, i remember it well, dark blue it was, i remember cursing it when the cambelt let go, whilst ticking over , on full lock whilst checking tyre pressures, one xmas eve, when i was just about to fetch my gran from Croydon. Back then, the fault was not known, I don't think. :o . But hey thers still time. and therapy ;D

Interesting reminiscences boys, so that's what this forum's about. Hope Jack isn't reading these Gamma calumnies. Actually he will remember the 4 or so hours it took the collective Gamma brains to get mine started at David Meynell's years ago on the Gamma day. Got rid of it straight after!! Anyway, about the 8.32................

   Derek,
   hope the email I've sent is of some use to you.
   Peter

If you don't decide to go ahead, please let me know where it is as I may well be tempted by another now I've sold my Maserati. Mine goes for an Mot tomorrow so here's hoping!

OK guys, took the plunge and now have a belter of an 8.32 in the garage, ready for insurance, tax and a scream round the fens. Many thanks to all who replied, especially Pete Tyndale as recommended by Geoff. Will post pics and details asap, as I'm away for a few days. Funny, the wife doesn't seem impressed at all!!

Am waiting for some cynical soul to point out that there are more wives in England than Thema 8.32s?!!

Hi Derek,
Did you by any chance trade in a Beta HPE for it? as I met a bloke who said he was a Dealer at the Classic Car Show at Shuttleworth in Bedfordshire on sunday, who said he'd just taken it in in part exchange for the an 8.32, seems a bit coincidental ;D

Brian Hilton
8227

Hi Brian

Nice to hear from you. Yes, I'm sure it's the same guy. Mine was a T Reg Silver HPE, mint despite 190,000 miles, bought from it's first owner Ernst Hodde of Herne Bay in Kent. How much did he want for it?

 

Sounds like the one, it was a cracker ;D didn't see him long enough to ask!  who is he?  hope you like the 8.32, I've always wanted one but bottled out  :'(
Brian
8227 8)

Hi Brian, I've seen it on Ebay, for £2500!! Phew it's a belter but I'm not sure about that money! I'm still waiting for the bloody Reg document so I can tax it and give it a blast, pissed off with driving it up and down the garage. Anyway I'll put a post up when I finally get it on the road. Sadly looks like gigging commitments will keep me away from the AGM this year.

Go on you can get someone to dep for one day.

I'm flying back from Spain the evening before.

'the colonel' or 'el colonel'

Yes, but it's my brothers 60th!! He'll never talk to me again. On second thoughts...............

OK, got an oil leak, need cam cover gaskets, Lancia part nos are 46132916 and 46136115, anyone got any ideas. Haven't given it a blast yet, want to get all the work done first. Here's hoping

Hi Derek,

I don't know if they are the same as 308 ferrari but if they are Superformance are usually pretty reasonable relatively speaking

OK guys thought I'd revive this trail after a long silence. Many thanks to all who helped me and have continued to do so. I took the car to this year's AGM (great day and great venue), and guess what, it won the Thema prize. OK not an Oscar but it was it's first big outing and it came away with a rosette! Recently MOT'd and used it for work this week. Drives beautifully and feels very well appointed. Taking it to Mick Stirland when I get the time, for fettling.
Anyway, now I've bought a completely restored Beta Spider, 1977. I'm putting a post on the Beta forum, but just in case, does anyone know the recommended tyre pressures? I'm off to Silverstone tomorrow.