1985 Lancia Thema Wagon by Zagato

When it comes to rare coachbuilt cars from the 1980s, the 1985 Lancia Thema Wagon by Zagato stands out as one of the most unusual. Built in very limited numbers, this elegant shooting brake combined the executive comfort of Lancia’s flagship Thema sedan with the craftsmanship of legendary Italian coachbuilder Zagato. The result was a distinctive wagon that blended practicality with bespoke Italian style.

Origins of the Lancia Thema Wagon

The Lancia Thema debuted in 1984 as part of the "Type Four" platform, shared with the Saab 9000, Fiat Croma, and Alfa Romeo 164. It was Lancia’s luxury sedan, positioned to compete with the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz in Europe.

While Fiat offered a factory-built Thema Station Wagon through Pininfarina, a handful of clients wanted something more exclusive. That’s where Zagato, the Milan-based coachbuilder famous for lightweight coupes and stylish bodywork, stepped in to create the Thema Wagon.

Design by Zagato

At first glance, the Zagato-built Thema Wagon retained the crisp lines of the sedan but with a reimagined rear end. Zagato created a more angular, hand-crafted wagon body, giving the car a distinctive stance compared to the mass-produced Pininfarina version.

Features included:

A taller, squared-off roofline for increased cargo space.
Bespoke hand-finished rear quarter panels and tailgate.
Retained luxury interior from the Thema sedan, with options for Alcantara, wood trim, and advanced electronics for the era.

The result was a luxury wagon with coachbuilt exclusivity, something that only a small group of buyers could afford.

Engine and Performance

Mechanically, the Thema Wagon by Zagato shared engines with the sedan lineup, including:

2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged units.
2.8-liter PRV V6 (developed jointly by Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo).
Later versions could even be specified with the legendary 2.0 16v Turbo engines.

Despite the wagon body, Zagato’s lightweight construction kept performance competitive with the sedan.

Rarity and Collectibility

Unlike the factory Thema Station Wagon, the Zagato conversions were produced in extremely limited numbers. Exact production figures are unclear, but estimates suggest only a handful of cars were ever built, making this one of the rarest Thema derivatives.

Today, surviving examples are highly collectible among enthusiasts of Lancia and Italian coachbuilt cars. Its rarity, connection to Zagato, and unusual body style ensure that the 1985 Lancia Thema Wagon holds a unique place in automotive history.

Why It Matters Today

The 1980s saw the decline of many coachbuilders as mass-production took over, but projects like the Lancia Thema Wagon by Zagato remind us of an era when clients could request truly bespoke versions of mainstream cars.

This rare shooting brake remains a fascinating example of Lancia’s luxury ambitions and Zagato’s creative flair, cementing its legacy as a hidden gem of 1980s Italian automotive design.

Final Thoughts

The 1985 Lancia Thema Wagon by Zagato is more than just a wagon—it’s a testament to the artistry of coachbuilding. With its rarity, unique design, and connection to one of Italy’s most prestigious carrozzerie, it’s a car that continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.