Lancia Stratos HF

At the 1970 Turin Motor Show, Nuccio Bertone exhibited a completely unusual wedge-shaped car with a length of 141 in (3,580 mm), a width of 74 in (1,870 mm), and a height of only 33 in (840 mm) on the stand of his company.

Bertone Zero, as it was called, had only one door, or rather, a windshield that hinged up and gave access to a two-seat saloon.

The show car didn't have an engine, but after the show ended, it was given life by installing a 132-bhp V4 from Lancia Fulvia.

At the same time, they changed the name to "Stratos", and given Bertone's great desire to cooperate with Lancia's company, they added her company badge.

In January 1971, dreams came true. Lancia, in dire need of a new mid-engine rally car, arranged with Bertone to prepare a prototype sports car.

In November 1971, a prototype by Marcello Gandini was exhibited at the Bertone booth at the Turin Motor Show. A new car with the same name, the Lancia Stratos, looked a little like last year's masterpiece of design art.

Although the body shape was still wedge-shaped, the cars had no other common features. The basis of the new design was a rigid monocoque connected at the rear with a space frame for mounting the engine and rear suspension.

The body parts were made of fiberglass, and the front and rear parts were easily folded back, opening access to the components and assemblies of the car. The only drawback was the same weak four-cylinder engine from Fulvia.

Photo: "Lancia Stratos HF" by andreboeni

Fiat's 1969 purchase of Lancia bore fruit; it became possible to install a 148 cu in (2,418 cc) six-cylinder engine from the Ferrari Dino into the Stratos.

With a new 190 hp engine and a five-speed gearbox, it was a completely different car. The maximum speed is 143 mph (230 kph), and acceleration to 100 kph (62 mph) took 6.9 seconds.

Competitive Career

Over the course of its competitive career, the Stratos HF amassed an impressive list of victories in some of the most challenging rally events in the world.

From the Monte Carlo Rally to the Tour de Corse, the Stratos HF proved time and again that it was a force to be reckoned with.

Photo: "1974 Lancia Stratos HF" by Dave Hamster

In 1974, the Stratos HF made its official debut at the Rallye Sanremo, where it finished an impressive second overall. A year later, it took home its first major victory at the Tour de Corse, with Sandro Munari behind the wheel.

The following year, Munari and co-driver Silvio Maiga won the World Rally Championship with their Stratos HF, cementing the car's place in rally racing history.

But the Stratos HF's success didn't end there. In 1976, Björn Waldegård and Hans Thorszelius won the Acropolis Rally in their Stratos HF, while Munari and Maiga took home first place at the Monte Carlo Rally later that same year.

And in 1977, Waldegård and Thorszelius won the Lombard RAC Rally, the final round of the World Rally Championship, securing Lancia's place as the manufacturer's champion.

While the Stratos HF hasn't competed in a rally since the early 1980s, its legacy lives on in the hearts of motor racing enthusiasts around the world.

Its distinctive wedge shape, throaty engine roar, and lightning-fast acceleration continue to inspire awe and admiration to this day.

Just watch these few minutes of driving in this video clip.

Lancia Stratos HF in Popular Culture

The Lancia Stratos HF has been a beloved car in popular culture for decades, with its sleek, aerodynamic design and impressive performance capabilities.

The Stratos was featured in the popular racing video game "Gran Turismo 5", where it could be purchased and raced in a variety of events.

The game's realistic physics and attention to detail made the Stratos a fan favorite, with many players praising its handling and performance capabilities.

Overall, the Lancia Stratos HF has become a beloved icon in both automotive and popular culture.

Whether racing on the big screen or tearing up the virtual track, this car continues to captivate audiences with its timeless design and impressive performance.

Stratos HF Owners

The ownership of the legendary Lancia Stratos HF sports car is not limited to any individual or organization – whoever has the resources and passion for this unique vehicle can own one.

However, the original production of the Stratos ended in 1975, limited to only 492 units made. Today, these iconic sports cars are highly sought-after and rare, and are held in private collections or sold at auctions for staggering amounts of money.

Some of the famous collectors of the Lancia Stratos HF include Jay Leno, Eric Clapton, and Paul Koot.

Ultimately, the ownership of this automotive masterpiece is a privilege reserved for those who truly appreciate its rich history and unparalleled driving experience.

Lancia Stratos HF in Today's Market

Despite the last Stratos HF being produced in the 1970s, these cars are still highly sought after today. Recently a Stratos HF sold at the Gooding & Company auctions (Amelia) for $582,500, marking the last sale of this legendary vehicle.

The new owner of this Stratos HF can now appreciate the pride of owning a part of rally racing history, and enjoy this incredible machine's exhilarating driving experience.

In conclusion, the Lancia Stratos HF is a rare and exceptional car that has withstood the test of time. This car has been appreciated for its stunning design, exceptional engineering, and impressive racing achievements.

For those lucky enough to own one, it is undoubtedly a priceless experience, just like driving history itself.