A rare left hand drive, UK sold Lancia Thema 8.32 which is owned by “Mr Bean” and "Blackadder" actor Rowan Atkinson will be offered without reserve by Silverstone Auctions during its “Race Retro Competition Car Sale 2018” which takes place tomorrow (Friday).
First seen at the Turin show in 1986, Lancia's new Thema 8.32 featured the V8 32-valve engine from the Ferrari 328 which, with the four-door saloons comparatively light weight and nimble handling, resulted in an intoxicating cocktail offering 0-60mph in just 6.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 150mph. With a price tag in period of £40,000 new, and only available in left-hand drive, it was always going to be a niche market car in the UK.
This particular car is owned by actor/comedian and renowned classic car enthusiast, Rowan Atkinson, and has been in his personal ownership for seven years. During this time, he has spent a considerable sum maintaining and improving the car with regular servicing and maintenance. The history file shows close to £20,000 in relevant bills on file.
According to the auctioneers, he chose this particular car partly because of its rarity, but and also because of its excellent overall condition and the fact that it had velour upholstery which Atkinson much prefers to the standard leather finish. They add that he has thoroughly enjoyed his time with the car and it now represents a real opportunity for the knowledgeable collector and enthusiast.
Today, it is definitely a rarity with less than twenty cars still registered and taxed according to the DVLA while this car is featured in the March 2018 edition of Classic Car magazine with a full road test and appraisal.
Offered with no reserve', it will be one of the most interesting cars in the sale. The Race Retro Competition Car Sale will take place this Friday (23 February) at the Race Retro International Historic Motorsport Show 2018 at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.
