1976 Lancia HF Stratos Stradale Coupe

The Lancia Stratos is one of the most successful rally cars ever built. It was the idea of Lancia competition boss Cesare Fiorio as a way to turn the Lancia brand into a new World Rally contender The prototype made its debut in 1972 and initially got off to a slow start. In 1973, the Stratos won its first victory, and an increase in sales soon followed.

Power was from a 2.4-liter Ferrari V-6 engine mated to the five-speed transaxle and mounted on a short chassis. It was given quick steering and a relatively high center of gravity. By late 1974, the factory reported the completion of 200 cars in a 12-month period and was homologation for Group 4 competition. It is believed by this point, just 140 or so examples had been built. It was in that year that the Stratos helped Lancia win what would be the first of three consecutive World Rally Championships in 1974, 1975, and 1976. After 1976, it was withdrawn as the Works entry but would go on to win in private hands up through 1979, when it clinched the Monte Carlo Rally.

The futuristic styling was by Carrozzeria Bertone's Marcello Gandini. It was given a dramatic, sharp, wedge shape with sculptured wheel openings. The project was inspired by the Stratos Zero prototype.

It is believed that 492 Stratos were built, and most were the competition, or 'Rally' specification cars, while the 'Stradale', or road versions, were built in much smaller quantities.

The Stratos Stradale has a surprising amount of luggage room in the rear and ample elbow room inside, thanks - in part - to the helmet pockets built into each door. The 190 horsepower engine gave the car a top speed in excess of 140 mph.

This example was sold new as a Stradale and modified to Group 4 specification between 2002 to 2007. The car is very close to Group 4 specification, and the engine produces around 270 horsepower. The gearbox is a synchromesh unit and not the works type. Since the conversion work was completed, the car has participated in some regularity rallies and comes with the appropriate FIA papers.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Monaco sale presented by Bonhams. The car was estimated to sell for €290,000 - 340,000, but bidding failed to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2012