Description
Retropower, modern philosophy - Chassis: LBSTR16AR30MD0061
Retropower commenced the project six years ago on behalf of a client using a ListerBell Automotive chassis and body kit, considered to be one of the best Stratos homages available in terms of it’s accuracy. A delicate operation of sympathetically redesigning detailed aspects of the original Gandini design was adhered to with this particular car, while maintaining the original and much loved overall shape.
Both front and rear clamshells would originally have been fixed by slightly awkward, exterior mounted metal catches, a legacy of the ListerBell kit having been intended to pay homage to the Group 4 Stratos rally cars. While not exactly thrown together, it would be fair to say that these machines were primarily built in order to satisfy the demands of homologation, so technicalities like fit and finish were deemed but mere trifles.
Retropower decided against the standard catches and replaced them with internally mounted equivalents paired with internal alignment pins, resulting in a far smoother overall appearance, before painting the whole shell in the striking and suitably seventies shade of ‘Feu Orange’ metallic.
Both front and rear clamshells would originally have been fixed by slightly awkward, exterior mounted metal catches, a legacy of the ListerBell kit having been intended to pay homage to the Group 4 Stratos rally cars. While not exactly thrown together, it would be fair to say that these machines were primarily built in order to satisfy the demands of homologation, so technicalities like fit and finish were deemed but mere trifles.
Retropower decided against the standard catches and replaced them with internally mounted equivalents paired with internal alignment pins, resulting in a far smoother overall appearance, before painting the whole shell in the striking and suitably seventies shade of ‘Feu Orange’ metallic.
Since this car has taken much of its insane exterior design from the Zero, it’s only fitting that the interior receives the same treatment, blending the original cars style with modern technology. The Zero’s ‘chocolate bar’ seats are the first thing to benefit from the Retropower redesign, with reprofiling for a better seating position and support. The same ethos was implemented when attention was turned to the dashboard, treated to a lavish helping of Alcantara for more visibility and raising the finish of the original item. The car also boasts the mod cons you would come to expect from any modern road car including but not limited to air conditioning, bluetooth radio and electronic instruments. With the aim to draw parallels between this resto-mod and the Zero concept, a custom moulded keypad has been mounted on the drivers’ door, linked to the aforementioned freestanding 9 inch digital-dash for control over essential features and functions, fulfilling the boyhood fantasy of a true and somewhat comfortable road going rally car.
It is not often you get the opportunity to purchase what is quite literally, a one of one special edition with the added knowledge that another will not be built again; certainly to this specification. Retropower build one off, bespoke cars catering for discerning collectors that demand the very best; it is no secret their waiting list to begin the design process is multiple months with completed builds easily taking years to perfect. This particular car is ready to drive away and comes with a comprehensive Keep history and build file documenting every part of its life up to modern day. The car has not even had the registration document signed over to the current owner so you will be the first, as you should be. What this is then, is an opportunity to jump the queue, save over £40, 000 over build cost and get the adventure going a whole lot sooner than planned with the first Retropower built vehicle to come to the open market.
