1976 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale for sale in UK

1976 Lancia Stratos

Seller's descriptin

Having previously collaborated on it’s designs with Pininfarina, Lancia became the focus of Carrozzeria Bertone, who wished to do business with Lancia. Bertone set about penning a design to capture the imagination of the fellow Turninese firm. Bertone was aware that Lancia was looking for a replacement for the Fulvia with a view for use in competition, so set about creating a striking masterpiece around the running gear of a Fulvia Coupé. The product was dubbed the Stratos Zero, and Bertone himself drove it to the Lancia factory. Upon arrival, it is said that Bertone received great applause from the Lancia workers who looked upon the fascinating lines which had been created.

Lancia was apparently impressed, and decided to work together with Bertone on the Stratos project. The Stratos Zero concept became the centre piece of Lancia’s presence at the 1970 Turin Motor Show and wowed onlookers with it’s futuristic proportions, and in turn brought exciting publicity for the manufacturer. The styling of the production Lancia Stratos was developed along the lines of the ideas held by Bertone’s designer Marcello Gandini who was no stranger to creating iconic cars in the form of the Lamborghini Miura and Countach. This was combined with chassis development from Giampaolo Dallara and ex. Ferrari F1 driver Mike Parkes.

One year after the success of the Stratos Zero concept at the 1970 Turin Motor Show, Lancia lifted the cover on the Stratos HF prototype, chassis number 1240, painted in an eye-catching fluorescent red. At the time of public announcement, the Stratos HF utilised the 2.4 litre Dino Ferrari V6 engine in mid mounted configuration. Fulvia and Beta engines had been previously run in the prototype when Enzo Ferrari was reluctant to allow the use of the Dino V6 due to perceived conflict with his own model, the 246 Dino, but once the production had ceased Enzo agreed and 500 Dino V6 engines are reputed to have arrived at Lancia.

Lancia’s desire to compete headed down the rallying route, and when production of the Stratos began in 1973, 500 cars were intended for construction in order to homologate the Stratos for Group 4 rallying. Homologated in 1974, the Lancia Stratos achieved great success, becoming World Rally Champion with Sandro Munari and Björn Waldegård. Through 1975 and ’76, Lancia’s domination continued and more World titles followed. When production of the Stratos ended, Lancia led the world to believe that 492 examples had been completed, just shy of the 500 originally required. However insiders believe that as few as 250 Stratos ever went on the road, which was largely due to the enormously high tax rates in Italy on larger capacity cars and the lack of safety compliance for the American export market.

Chassis 1595 is one of the Stradale, or road, versions of the Lancia Stratos, manufactured in 1976 with scocca number 269 and was originally green with Havana interior and SAVAL Kenia brown carpets. 1595 was first registered “MI/X73169” on the 2nd November 1976 to the company S.A.M.I. in Milano. On the 1st December 1978 while in Modena, Italy, 1595 was registered “MO 441690” to “Cahorimi Rossano” and retains the dated registration booklet to this day. Within this booklet are Modena tax receipts from 1978 through to August 1982.

Also retained with 1595 are one insurance slip for Lancia Stratos MO 441690 dated 27/12/85, and a tax slip from Rome for MO 441690 dated 1st February 1986. Reputedly owned by a close personal friend of Enzo Ferrari, 1595 was for sale in a Modena Ferrari showroom in 1986, painted red over black, and was purchased at that time by the current owner. 1595 was registered in the UK on 14th May 2002, and given registration number UFC 235P. Since then, the car has been used for occasional runs, with tax and MOT renewed every year. Today, 24,695 km or 15,344 miles are shown on the speedo. Accompanying 1595 are many documents including invoices for work carried out, two sets of Campagnolo 14” magnesium wheels (one set without tyres), and one set of modern Compomotive 5 spoke wheels with Yokohama tyres fitted for ease of road use.

With 1595 comes a chance to acquire a wonderfully charismatic, and genuinely patented, original Lancia Stratos HF Stradale. When driving this car it is easy to see why they were such a formidable force to be reckoned with on the World Rally circuit. Exhilarating to drive, rare, still unrestored, in its current ownership for most of its life and of one of the most iconic designs of its era.

Contact Dealer for more details.