Lancia Thema Plus Zagato

Vehicle Overview

The Lancia Thema Plus by Zagato is a rare and fascinating chapter in automotive history, with only two prototypes ever built. It represents a bold reinterpretation of Lancia’s flagship sedan, the Thema, reimagined as a station wagon by the renowned coachbuilder Zagato. Both prototypes exemplify the blend of luxury, innovation, and performance that defined Lancia and Zagato’s collaborative spirit. The first prototype was a modified Thema sedan that became a sporty station wagon. Registered to Andrea Zagato with the license plate MI 0H0742, it served as his daily driver. This vehicle was developed as a study prototype and presented to Fiat as a concept for potential production. At the time, Pininfarina’s Wagon version of the Thema had not yet been introduced, making Zagato’s creation a trailblazer in its category. The car debuted at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show on Zagato’s stand, where it garnered significant public and professional acclaim for its innovative design. The second prototype, built shortly after, refined the concept further. This version featured the high-performance 2.85L V6 engine and a revised rear roofline with a less pronounced drop. While this modification sacrificed some aerodynamic sleekness, it enhanced practicality and appeal. Registered to Gianni Agnelli, this prototype remains preserved in Milan’s Lopresto Collection, a testament to its historical significance. Both versions shared core design elements, but their standout feature was the innovative use of black tailgate pillars. This stylistic choice visually lightened the rear and created a “floating roof” effect, a design trend that would later become ubiquitous in station wagons and SUVs. By blending these modern touches with the classic elegance of the Thema, Zagato crafted a vehicle ahead of its time. The Lancia Thema Plus by Zagato is celebrated not only for its rarity but also for its visionary design. It represents a pivotal moment in automotive aesthetics, influencing the trajectory of wagon and crossover styling for decades to come.