It’s the little Italian wedge that could. Packing 2.4 liters of Ferrari Dino V6 that could possibly make better noise than a passionate Italian themselves, weighing in at just about a ton (a little less if it was the racing version) and possessing a race record that stands fully on it’s own merit, the Lancia Stratos HF is rolling automotive pornography for a gearhead that has ever paid attention to rally whatsoever. It looks like a 3/4 scale Ferrari and sounds like one too, and that isn’t by accident. The body was designed by Bertone and the engine, that Dino V6, was approved for Lancia’s use by Enzo Ferrari…admittedly, only after the Dino had been removed from the market. With eighteen victories to it’s name between 1974 and 1981, the Stratos, particularly in it’s almost prerequisite Alitalia livery, still holds the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.
Now, imagine some of the 492 cars produced descending upon the small town of Biella, located in Northern Italy near the Switzerland border for a three-day meeting and gathering. From sedate, near-stock Stratos HF Stradales to the one-off 2010 New Stratos that was based upon a cut-down and re-shaped Ferrari F430 Scuderia, you’d be in heaven: the proper scenery, the sound of Dino V6s echoing off of the walls, and the sight of that low, wedge shape cruising the streets. And don’t forget a drive through the tunnel, the best way to enjoy what the Lancia Stratos is capable of without taking to the dirt!
As Lancia now apperars to be part of the Fiat/Chrysler group the “New Stratos” should be put into production as it would be a surefire hit especially as it could be made in more numbers than the original homoligation special that only had a limited run to satisfy regulations.
So come on – do us all a favour and let us have another legend!