In order to fulfill homologation rules for Group B competition, only 200 examples of the Lancia Stradale 037 were constructed for the street. Loosely based on the Lancia Montecarlo, the Stradale was a radical departure from traditional cars.
The transverse mounted Lampetti designed inline 4 cylinder motor was placed longitudinally to allow for better weight distribution and optimized rally suspension construction. They used two shock absorbers on the rear axle.
The car utilized a tube frame chassis with a carbon Kevlar clam shell design which lowered weight to the 2300lb range. Because of the engine placement, Lancia was able to strap on a massive supercharger, in favor of turbocharging because of linear power delivery. Like all Group B rally cars, a dry sump oil system was used to handle the immense G’s that these cars endured.
The interior is a work of 1980s art. A simple dashboard with plenty of gauges to keep the driver and their co-pilot informed of everything going on with the car. A lovely place to be when you’re sliding around the back roads.
Besides the amazing specs that this Lancia brings to the table, the racing heritage this car has is what makes this special. We all know how Group B was motoring lunacy, but by 1982, Audi was just dominating rally because of their inclusion of all wheel drive. Lancia was the underdog with its RWD and mid-engine layout. However, their interpretation of the rules and their will of their driver, Walter Rohrl, allowed this car to be the last ever rear wheel drive car to ever win the World Rally Championship.
Motorsport heritage makes cars that much more unique. A car that is built with a purpose in hand, in this case, kick ass at rally, tends to have that special something that makes it an instant classic.
Photo: | Girardo & Co | Lancia |