1975 Lancia Stratos to 'Group 4' Specification – Chassis #AR0001951

The legendary Lancia Stratos HF is the ultimate rally icon of the 'Group 4' era and changed the face of International Rallying as the first purpose-built rally car in an age of modified production cars. Rather than build the 1,000 units needed to qualify for 'Group 3' and only afterwards apply the allowable 'Group 4' modifications, Lancia committed to building the 500 examples required for 'Group 4' homologation as a thinly disguised rally car for the road.

Designed by Marcello Gandini, the Stratos HF ('HF' for High Fidelity) was developed as a collaboration between Lancia and Bertone and was introduced in November 1971 at the Turin Motor Show. It was based around a central steel monocoque with steel front frame legs and box-section rear subframe, carrying lightweight glass fibre doors and hinged ‘clamshells’ at the front and rear. The car was powered by a mid-mounted transverse 2.4-litre Ferrari Dino V6 that Enzo Ferrari only reluctantly agreed to supply, fearing the new car would overshadow his own Dino 246.

Stratos bodyshells were built by Bertone at its Grugliasco Works, and then shipped to Lancia for final assembly at Via San Paolo. Homologation for 'Group 4' required that 500 examples be built within a 24 month period but, in real terms, this did not require 500 finished cars, but rather enough chassis and components to complete that number. Production began on 1st July 1972 and only 183 examples were completed by the end of 1974, however the FIA determined that enough components and completed body shells existed to confirm 'Group 4' homologation on 1st October 1974. Body production and final assembly would continue through 1975 and although there is some uncertainty, the best estimate is that Lancia eventually completed 492 examples.

The Stratos HF made its competition debut in November 1972 on the Tour de Corse running as a prototype and saw its first successes the following year, with wins on the Tour de France and the Firestone Rally, and a second place at the Targa Florio. With its diminutive size, extraordinary agility and powerful V6, the Stratos quickly established itself as a dominant force in rallying, winning the WRC three years in a row (1974–1976) and firmly established itself as a legend by continuing to win in private hands as late as 1981.

This 1975 Lancia Stratos, Chassis #AR0001951, built to 'Group 4' specification, is offered fresh to market after a protracted build period with recent completion after what has been a seven year 'labour of love' by the present Lancia aficionado owner. Built around a reconstructed shell, manufactured by Marchesi Modena in 2017/ 2018 utilising genuine and period specific components being of the correct type and age where possible. The standard of finish is exceptional with a level of detail that is rarely achieved. The Marchesi produced shell has also been modified to 'Group 4' specification with an integral T45 roll cage and lowered floors to accommodate the taller pilot, even the front, rear and door clams have been sourced and supplied having being produced using the original Italian tooling. With extensive research being carried out over the years, it is clear to see the lengths to which our vendor went in order to present one of the finest Lancia Stratos to come to market in recent years.

Motivation is provided by the fully rebuilt Ferrari 246 V6 power unit constructed around a cast-iron block, with Aluminium 'Group 4' heads sitting atop fully balanced internals and breathing through triple 44 IDF downdraft Weber carburettors. The engine is centrally and transversely mounted, providing drive through the 'Group 4' Lancia 5-speed 'dog box' with a dog-leg first gear through to the Schaublin fully rose-jointed rear end with independent McPherson Struts and 'Group 4' alloy hub carriers, all riding on period correct Magnesium Campagnolo- style wheels shod with the correct Pirelli P7 'Corsa' tyres. Retardation is accomplished through AP vented discs with 4-piston Monoblock aluminium calipers.

We appreciate that anyone genuinely interested in this car will have lots of technical questions and we have pages and pages of component specification and build details available upon request. Every part of this build has been considered - the right people asked the right questions and the exact components sourced from wherever they could be found - which is why it took seven years. Our vendor was fastidious, possibly even a little obsessive, when it came to this project and that’s why we are keen that interested parties explore it a bit further to appreciate just how much thought and passion has been invested in this beautiful Stratos.

Bringing #AR0001951 back to life has been a metamorphosis and we feel that it would be wonderful to see the car on a European rally stage or on the showground or anywhere really, enjoying the admiration always generated when people get a close look at one of these seldom seen WRC-winning rally cars from 50 years ago.