Lancia Thesis S85

The Lancia Thesis S85 is a remarkable automotive prototype that tells a story of delayed plans, unexpected turns, and eventual prestige. Initially conceived in 2000 by Stola and presented to Paolo Cantarella, the CEO of Fiat Auto, the idea was to create a luxury limousine derived from the Lancia Thesis to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Stola company. Initially intended to be called the S82, the project’s journey became increasingly complex, eventually resulting in the unveiling of the S85 at the Geneva Motor Show in 2004. The vision for this special vehicle was to offer unparalleled luxury, with interiors crafted from the finest materials, including Poltrona Frau leather and a wooden parquet floor. The Fiat Group had previously created limousine configurations for the Lancia Thema and Kappa, making this project a natural next step. However, Cantarella, while enthusiastic about the idea, requested that the design be executed by Lancia’s own team under the supervision of Nevio Di Giusto. The design for the S85’s extended bodywork and luxurious interior was handled by architect Giancarlo Concilio of the Lancia Style Centre. However, just days before its planned debut at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, Fiat’s top brass decided to delay the unveiling. This was in part due to production delays with the standard Thesis sedan. On September 11, 2001, the world was shaken by the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, further contributing to the postponement of various automotive projects, including the Thesis Limousine. In early 2002, Fiat, recognizing the work that had been done, asked Stola to produce a version of the Thesis Limousine for the President of Italy, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. This version would be armored and tailored specifically for the head of state. The final Thesis Limousine was presented to President Ciampi in June 2003, and it was followed by other planned models, though they were later canceled. Stola revisited the prototype in March 2003, preparing to showcase it once more. This time, the vehicle was repainted in a striking bicolored finish of maroon, and the interior was subtly updated. Named the S85 to commemorate Stola’s 85th anniversary, the car was finally presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2004. The Lancia Thesis S85 was eventually acquired by Swiss collector Heini Rutz in 2008, joining the prestigious Lancia Club Suisse, cementing its status as a rare and highly coveted collector’s item.