1976 Lancia HF Stratos Stradale Coupe

Although designed for Rally Competition, a Tulsa, Oklahoma entrepreneur and dealership owner named Anatoly Arutunoff thought it would have potential as a road racer in the under 2.5-liter class. He acquired this Stratos from the factory showroom in Italy in late 1976 and drove it from Turin to the port of Cherbourg, France and crossed the English Channel by ferry, and loaded it onto the Queen Elizabeth 2 for transport to the United States. After it arrived in Boston, Mr. Arutunoff drove it through wintery conditions to Tulsa.

Only minor modifications were made, most notably the missing 'basket handle' spoiler atop the car due to IMSA aero regulations. It made its racing debut in February 1977 at the 24 Hours of Daytona, where it failed to finish the race. Throughout the course of its racing career, continuing into 1979, it raced at Sebring, Watkins Glen, Daytona, Road America, Road Atlanta, and Talladega. During the 1979 Daytona and Sebring races, the Lancia was co-driven by Indianapolis 500 winner Danny Sullivan.

The car's final competitive outing in period was in February 1984 at the Budweiser Grand Prix of Miami.

During its racing career, it failed to reach the podium, oftentimes due to minor part failures that prematurely sidelined the car.

This car has been in the care of its current Texas-based custodian since 1986. It remains largely in as-raced condition.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2023