Child of the Type 4 project (Thema, Croma and Saab 9000) the Thema Limo, created with the first series in 1987, was produced only on order and assembled in the factory in Borgo San Paolo, together with the Thema 8⋅32, following very high quality standards that were different to those used for the rest of the range.

The engine reserved for the first series Thema L. was the 2.8 L PRV (Peugeot, Renault, Volvo) with six cylinders in a V shape (the first vehicles were called 6V, which then became V6) and a 150 hp output. It was not particularly fast, but it was sufficiently reliable and had good drive torque. After all, an executive car was not expected to break any speed records, but to travel smoothly.

The most glaring differences between this Lancia Thema Limousine and the saloon it derived from were mainly the central window and those 30 cm that gave the rear seat passengers extra space.

In 1987, however, the model was slightly improved to meet the requirements of its VIP clientele, which was the evident target. I am talking about, for instance, the reinforced, specially calibrated suspension, the boosted cooling system, and the 15″ rims for the armoured version. Moreover, as I already mentioned, there were assembling and finishing standards specific to this version.
This Lancia Limousine’s clientele mainly consisted of industrialists, politicians, and prominent personalities, including Gianni Agnelli, President Cossiga, and the singer Madonna—to mention only a few.

Chassis numbering started from 102000, but it was not always regular. Only 27 Lancia Thema Limousine were built, of which 19 belong to the first series.