Junkman Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 What a pile of utter tosh. It must be saved etc etc.I would call J. Davidson, me, and post it in the scrap it thread. Mind you, when Conrad and I travelled Italy two years ago, we visited a classic car dealership in Perugiathat had four of them, all in pristine condition. Two of them were originals, the other two were home made estates.They wanted in the region of 8 Eurobags for the most expensive one. uk_senator and somewhatfoolish 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HMC Posted January 20, 2018 Author Share Posted January 20, 2018 This is now at 2,100 with a day to go. My shiters instinct is that I'm going to leave it to someone else to enjoy* and have a fulfilling* and life affirming* time owning and resurrecting it. richardthestag, Sigmund Fraud and somewhatfoolish 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HMC Posted January 20, 2018 Author Share Posted January 20, 2018 I.think I got a bit carried away with the whole Ferrari connection, the lure of something that would eventually (maybe never TBH) make something similar to the intoxicating Ferrari yowl blaring through a tunnel is a dream of mine but not one I can realistically satisfy. Note to self: Iam not Gianni Agnelli, get a grip man. I Know Gabrielle sang that dreams can come true but I suspect she was singing out of her arse and no doubt certainly never bought a festering lancia thema V8. scdan4, RobT, Bucketeer and 6 others 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Felly Magic Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 I think you may be dodging a bullet, this had the serious potential to run up huge bills, and still not be roadworthy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollywobbler Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 Where is Gabrielle now eh? Right choice. I have no idea where she is now. Stanky 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HMC Posted January 20, 2018 Author Share Posted January 20, 2018 Certainly not desperately browsing heaps on e bay. At least I hope not for her sake. uk_senator and cort16 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnificent Rustbucket Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 I can well see why you're disappointed, but I think some poor (though understandably) over-enthusiastic fool may be in for a shock at the restoration costs of this one. I think you may indeed have 'dodged a bullet'. HMC 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CreepingJesus Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 I went a wee trip up to a notoriously odd garage near Kinross about twenty years ago. I was not disappointed, especially when the mechanic took it a spin round the yard for its' 'daily exercise'. Surprised we've got this point in discussing one of these without mentioning that it wasn't any faster than the turbo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Felly Magic Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 2.8 litre V8 from the 308 wasn't it? Or summat like that. Ok for Magnum to carry his tash around in the little Ferrari round Hawaii and kicking up leaves, but that was about it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bezzabsa Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 now THIS would be worth it...Mind you £2K + for his services would sting a bithttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY69WB-vCno Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tadhg Tiogar Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 ....I Know Gabrielle sang that dreams can come true but I suspect she was singing out of her arse and no doubt certainly never bought a festering lancia thema V8.She also sang Out Of Reach, which is also ironic as far as Ferraris go. https://youtu.be/uxfAIVfmRa8 Junkman, Magnificent Rustbucket and uk_senator 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinmasters Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 HMC, you are my hero. A not very good, but nevertheless massively expensive to maintain Ferrari engine in a probably otherwise worthless car. Winner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlosfandango Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 While I would normally have the horn for a Lancia and I've always rather liked the look of the Thema, I can't get these four words out of my mind. Front Wheel Drive Fezza. I also concur with the earlier observation of the fuse box hanging down being a warning sign..But the gaffer tape holding down the speed chute door on the boot is priceless. The engine would however make a lovely coffee table. CFD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfamale Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 I'm still oddly tempted. Basket case rare Italian cars really float my boat. The fact it is overseas, far far away from God's own country is the major stumbling block. uk_senator 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DodgeRover Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 Where is Gabrielle now eh? Right choice. I have no idea where she is now.Have you checked the boot of the Lexus? Skizzer and chodweaver 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wack Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 Thanks junkman. I just did. I was told do a paper NOVA and send in a covering letter explaining the circumstances and there SHOULD be no trouble. That'd still be enough to put me off as it sounds like they guy on the phone giving his opinion rather than what's going to happen once you've sunk £££ into buying it CreepingJesus 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barrett Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 If you have evidence it arrived here before NOVA existed then that's fine. If this thing had an MoT in 2004 then that will be enough proof. I did this on my 404. Really, NOVA is not a malevolent force designed to ruin the life of old car enthusiasts. It's just an annoying extra bit of bureaucracy that adds 10 minutes of form filling to your day. Importing a car is a piece of piss. HOWEVER there is absolutely zero chance that Thema is ever gonna go back on the road I'm afraid. It's a parts car, that's all. No DIYer has ever grappled with one of these things. They make Reg Bollox's Maser look like an MGB. If anyone wants to experience the full 'DIY Ferrari-engined Lancia experience' please write me a cheque for £10,000 and I'll come round your house and talk to you like a piece of shit whilst poking your knuckles with a blunt craft knife, and I'll only leave when you start properly crying. Eddie Honda, Skizzer, KruJoe and 11 others 14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martc Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 I would call J. Davidson, me, and post it in the scrap it thread. All the racist stuff could be left to J Davidson, but would he be any good in assessing the value of a maritime Lancia? Kringle and Junkman 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kringle Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 If anyone wants to experience the full 'DIY Ferrari-engined Lancia experience' please write me a cheque for £10,000 and I'll come round your house and talk to you like a piece of shit whilst poking your knuckles with a blunt craft knife, and I'll only leave when you start properly crying.Shut up and take my money! BorniteIdentity, CreepingJesus, Junkman and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tul66 Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 I went a wee trip up to a notoriously odd garage near Kinross about twenty years ago. I was not disappointed, especially when the mechanic took it a spin round the yard for its' 'daily exercise'.Surprised we've got this point in discussing one of these without mentioning that it wasn't any faster than the turbo.That was the green one which went down to Basildon. I test drove it when I was looking for one but it just didn't feel right so left it. I eventually bought mine from London in 1999 and still have it.You're right, it isn't any faster than the turbo but is an entirely different drive with more midrange & better soundtrack. The spoiler is manually operated from a switch on the wiper stalk by the way. And no, I wouldn't touch that one with yours! Here's a picture of mine. Exiled_Tat_Gatherer, Carlosfandango, forddeliveryboy and 20 others 23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghosty Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 All the racist stuff could be left to J Davidson, but would he be any good in assessing the value of a maritime Lancia?J Davidson’s is a Manchester scrap merchant. Wack 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martc Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 J Davidson’s is a Manchester scrap merchant.If I was him I'd change my name to prevent further confusion..., but the Manchester one would be able to determine the worth of a seagoing Lancia. Let's just agree on an even distribution of labour between the two Davidsons. Junkman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs6C Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 That was the green one which went down to Basildon. I test drove it when I was looking for one but it just didn't feel right so left it. I eventually bought mine from London in 1999 and still have it.You're right, it isn't any faster than the turbo but is an entirely different drive with more midrange & better soundtrack. The spoiler is manually operated from a switch on the wiper stalk by the way. And no, I wouldn't touch that one with yours! Here's a picture of mine.8.32 interior.JPG8.32.JPGThat does look rather lovely. The interior is a bit reminiscent of a Maserati Biturbo, which is also a nice place to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_Bo11ox Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 HOWEVER there is absolutely zero chance that Thema is ever gonna go back on the road I'm afraid. It's a parts car, that's all. No DIYer has ever grappled with one of these things. They make Reg Bollox's Maser look like an MGB Yo!!!! I just dont buy this. I cannot see why its not DIY fixable, its all 25+ yr-old technology, so should be easily DIY-able should it not? I get it that if you need to buy a head gasket or whatever its going to be expensive, and theres no haynes manual, but if it has rusty sills or electrical problems I would have thought they'd be within the realms of possibility for a competent and patient DIYer? Having said all that, I'm simply too old for DIY'ing that mutha, thats for sure. Dave_Q, Junkman, AMC Rebel and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uk_senator Posted January 22, 2018 Share Posted January 22, 2018 I`m with Bollocks, I cant see any good reason why its not revivable.. I had an 86 S1 Thema Turbo (which was admittedly a criminally uncared for £150 dog with chronic rust & electrical issues) & an 84 Fez 308 QV, other than the arsey timing belt change (that HAS to be done way too often), & the dodgy electrics (usually tired wiring & connectors rather than hardware issues), its no more complex to work on than a Tipo or a 164. It's all very do-able by someone competent in the art of Ay-Tai-shite, &, unusually for a shitter, would see a good return after a refresh in the right hands.And if it was totally rotten, you could import a Thema SW & convert it into a RHD 8.32 wagon, or, do something mental, like bung the running gear straight into a 164, Croma or Saab 9000, should also slot into a Tipo/Tempra/Dedra/155 easily too.If my time/space/money continuum was right, I`d be on it, alas its all totally up the spout, so I`ll have to leave it to another lunatic. AMC Rebel and flat4alfa 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_Bo11ox Posted January 22, 2018 Share Posted January 22, 2018 Shiiiiiiiiittttt, imagine a Fiat Croma 8.32 dollywobbler, blakey79, somewhatfoolish and 5 others 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
somewhatfoolish Posted January 22, 2018 Share Posted January 22, 2018 A FezzAAB would be a really comfortable way of FTPing on a semi-regular basis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binhoker668 Posted January 22, 2018 Share Posted January 22, 2018 Well, do you have any evidence of this? Otherwise it is pure assumption isn't it? I think we all agree that there should be laws but many of us also think that the principle of innocent until proven guilty should apply. My mother's family and my in-laws are Irish and weren't always treated that well in England because people made sweeping assumptions about immigrants. Perhaps we should be careful about referring to 'them' and 'us'. This. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tul66 Posted January 22, 2018 Share Posted January 22, 2018 That does look rather lovely. The interior is a bit reminiscent of a Maserati Biturbo, which is also a nice place to be.It is a little but the 8.32 is a far better car. I had a 430 4v for around 6 years but whilst it never actually broke down, it always felt like a £48000 car with a £47500 engine. The rest was a pile of shit. This is what happened to it. somewhatfoolish, The Moog and John F 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SierraMikeHotel Posted January 22, 2018 Share Posted January 22, 2018 Sooooo... has anyone bought this yet? I'm right behind dropping the running gear into a Croma if the rest of the car is scrap... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now