A neglected Lancia Thesis has found a second life as a camper.
The owner, Allar from Estonia, rescued the flagship sedan from the scrapyard and turned it into a road trip machine.
The Lancia Thesis was designed as an executive saloon aimed at the BMW 5 Series. Its retro-futuristic styling and plush interior made it a favorite for Italian politicians.
But Allar saw potential beyond the boardroom.
For about a year, he drove past a dark green Thesis that looked abandoned. When he saw it listed for spares, he decided to inspect it.
The car was in poor condition: dents, scratches, mismatched wheels, underbody rust, and a non-starting engine.
The gear lever was broken, electronic modules were missing, and trim pieces were shattered.
Despite the challenges, Allar bought the car. After replacing engine parts, he found the 2.4-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel in good shape.
The gear lever was a bigger problem, as replacement parts are nearly impossible to find. He used 3D-printing to manufacture the necessary components himself.
He then tackled the complex Italian electrical system, sourcing used modules to clear dashboard faults. He also repaired body dents as best he could.
Once the Lancia was roadworthy, Allar realized he had no daily use for it, given his existing fleet of cars and motorcycles.
From Executive Sedan to Camper
Instead of selling the Thesis, Allar decided to build a camper. He ordered a hard-shell roof tent that expands to 4 square meters when opened.
He designed and fabricated a low-profile roof rack that follows the car’s roofline.
The sedan received rear spring height adjusters to handle the extra load. Allar fitted 19-inch multi-spoke wheels from a Jaguar XF, using spacers and custom-machined adapters.
A dual-battery system powers the tent’s electronics. Inside, the ashtray was replaced with a custom phone charger.
Allar has been using the unique camper for European road trips. He reports that the Thesis remains a comfortable cruiser, holding 140 km/h without wind noise.
However, the 2.4-liter turbodiesel feels old-school at low speeds, possibly due to a sticky turbo and boost solenoid.
Reactions to the project vary. Untrained eyes may dismiss it as a neglected car, but enthusiasts appreciate the build.
The rough-around-the-edges machine commands respect wherever it goes. It proves that with determination, even a forgotten Italian flagship can find a second life outdoors.
