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.
