Then, in 1986, Lancia brokered a deal with Ferrari to use its 2.9-liter V8 in the Thema, something Lancia hoped would give the Thema a much-needed edge against the likes of BMW and Audi.

Heading to auction later this week, the table is built around the F136 4.5-liter naturally-aspirated V8 of the Ferrari 458 Italia. The listing says the engine has been “used in competition ...

as per Ferrari UK policy in our coldest months, and the Pirelli Sottozeros, which are the same width and profile as the summer rubber, probably add a little more comfort. The V8 gets rear-steer ...