Thema vs Merc SL500

[Lindsay]

Hi all. I'm getting the Thema twitch again. Thinking of selling my mid 90s SL500 to fund either a S3 3.0 LX Station wagon or perhaps an 8.32. No comparison in performance terms as the SL has 326bhp, but nice as it is, it isn't floating my boat as expected. I had a 3.0 LX saloon around 10 years ago, so know it well. A lazy performer but glorious interior, and the SW is very very rare. The rarest Thema in fact, unless anyone knows different. The more obvious one is the 8.32. Had around 14 Themas of most variants but not an 8.32.

So, am I daft to consider selling the SL?  Am wondering if 8.32s will follow the integrale in terms of values. The LX SW will only ever be sought by those in the know, so will never be as instantly as desirable as an 8.32.

Lindsay

[Sliding Pillar]

This isn't far from me, I could go and have a look if you are interested. http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page.php/carno/101678
Personally I would go for a nice Kappa Coupe, but they are getting hard to find!
Ade.

[Lindsay]

Hi Ade. Yes, did notice that one. Looks nice in the pics - but they usually do. Missing the skirt 8.32 badges and would need to know who did the work.  Have done the Kappa Coupe thing - 20vt - and Kappa 3.0 saloon, so back to Themas!

Thanks for the offer of going to look. I'll email the seller and see what he has to say.
Lindsay

[DavidLaver]

If you could streatch to an 832 - and had the courage.   It would be a wonderful "to have had" even if for just a little while.   At least go and try one - and tell us all about it !!

My first sight of one was absolutely ripping past on an Italian industrial estate, fortunately he was as lost as me, or just tearing up and down for fun, because my second look was two mins later flying back the other way.  FABULOUS sound track...and who cares its slower or more understeer.  Not a bad interior either.

Go on - you know you want to at least try one...

David

[sparehead3]

I'm with you on that David .... just to have had one once ) I always look forward to seeing and parking one at the Bristol Italian Car Fest

[Lindsay]

It's not courage required. It will be a pleasure after the SL and the cost of keeping that going. At least with the 8.32 I know who to talk to, where to go for help and know the LMC chaps are always open and friendly. Don't underestimate how good Lancia folk are - to my mind no other marque enthusiasts come close.

So, if I can get the SL sorted with its latest electric nonsense it will be gone asap and the hunt will definately be on.

[HF_Dave]

Iv'e been through what you are going through at the moment. I bought a nearly new Thema 16v back in 1994 and traded it in against an Alfa 166 in 1999.   I think it was the worst motoring decision I've ever made, talk about missing the car!! We had great times together, raised the kids with it, drove across Europe, had great holidays with it. It only took a few months of pining before it was replaced with a 1989 example to sit alongside the 166.  

[Jai Sharma]

I would definitely add my vote for an 8.32. Had one once (bordeaux colour) and loved it. Made the most wonderful sound (much nicer sounding than the 308 engine in my view) , so long as the windows are open when you buy it no need to see if they will close!

Actually mine had 160k km on the clock and still ran sweetly.