Description
The Lancia Stratos stands as one of the most iconic rally cars in history and it was the first ever car to be purpose built for participation in the World Rally Championship, combining a stunning Bertone designed body with a mid-mounted Ferrari engine to power it to success. It secured three consecutive constructors' championships for Lancia from 1974 to 1976, driven by legendary racers like Sandro Munari.
The production version, known as the Stratos HF (High Fidelity), was introduced to meet homologation requirements for the WRC. Between 1973 and 1978, Lancia produced about 492 units.
The Stratos' specifications were cutting-edge for its time, with its mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout offering exceptional handling and balance. It was powered by a 2. 4-liter Ferrari Dino V6 engine, producing around 190 horsepower. The engine’s placement behind the driver gave the car an ideal weight distribution for cornering, while the car's lightweight construction—thanks to its compact fiberglass body—allowed for impressive agility and performance.
This Lancia Stratos HF Stradale was built in October of 1974, however, due to low demand, it was not finished and Lancia stored the car till 1982. It was finished in 1983 by the illustrious Jolly Club Racing Team and assigned VIN number 829 ARO 000004. The original build number is 1814 and scocca (body) number is 371. Jolly Club is believed to have sold around 35 previously unfinished cars during the early 80s.
The car was purchased in 1985 by an Italian gentleman who later sold tit to the United Kingdom in 1986 with only 384 km on the odometer. The car was sold again in 1988, with just 890 km, to Mr. John Chapman. In 1995 it was sold through Porters in Kensignton Ltd to a well-known Portuguese collector with less than 9000 km on the odometer.
It has remained in a well looked after collection in Lisbon, Portugal till now. The original paintwork is Verde Chiaro and it appears original with minor signs of patina. A deeper larger seat is fitted for taller drivers, but the original driver's seat is included with the car. A folder, with hundreds of invoices and letters, documents the complete history of this vehicle and certifies its good provenance.
