Lancia Stratos - the 3 times rally world champion

[1959scudetto]

The Lancia Stratos was the first ever car especially designed and built for rally competition. Whilst the 1^st prototype (stratos zero, 1970) was a unique show-car and attention-getter, the 2^nd (Stratos HF, 1971) came close to the final version using the Dino 2,4 V6 engine (midships).

From 1972 onwards, the factory took part in competition, but was restricted to prototype class. Former Ferrari works driver and engineer, Mike Parkes, did essential development work and on Oct. 1, 1974, finally homologation was perfect (more than 400 built cars) and Lancia was able to enter the world rally championship in Grp. 4 (in red/white Marlboro livery): 4 wins and a 3^rd place helped winning the world championship of makes in 1974.

This goal was again achieved in 1975 and 76 with Alitalia sponsorship: 1975 the livery was green and white, whereas in 1976 and 77 green, red and white.

Then, mother company Fiat wanted to turn its mass-production car 131 into a rally champion in order to generate higher sales figures and  transferred huge Alitalia sponsorship money  to their 131 Abarths, phasing out the Stratos from competition: Therefore in 1978 the Stratos had to run on a small budget in red, white and black Pirelli livery and competed in only 4 WRC events (its final year of works participation)

All other liveries are private entries or partially works-supported only.

As with Jan. 1^st ,1975 the FIA allowed also the use of the aero kit (roof and rear spoiler) – we see here post-1975 models (several earlier cars have also been retrofitted with these parts).

 

 

From Hachettes 1/24 WRC Collection:

Sandro Munari’s 1977 Monte Carlo winner – well done, with a few mistakes that could easily be corrected in using parts from Revell’s plastic kit:

Plastic fuel cap covers, correct rear license plate and front light pod cover (didn’t want to paint the light surroundings in white)- front mudflaps (not used in tis event) removed:

 

Markku Alén’s 1978 San Remo winner – everything correct apart from the rear license plate (not that sharply bent) – replaced with aluminium sheet and a decal:

 

White Box 1975 Stratos HF – is NOT a street, but a rally version minus racing livery: put a “Prova” license plate onto the rear (see picture above)

 

All are made by Ixo – highly recommended for any sportscar fan – for rally aficionados these are must haves!

 

You think I’m a rally fan? A Stratos fan too ? You're right – I have some Stratos kits in my stash, too ( + Revell MC 77, Tamiya Giro d'Italia racing version):

 

 

Edited June 6, 2022 by 1959scudetto

[keyser]

They’re awesome. Those plus Nitto, Revell, and a strange huge boxed Lodela with a series of others on sides. Fujimi and Hase Stradale and Comps. Tiny things 1:1. Map pocket holds a helmet perfectly. ??

[Ace-Garageguy]

Love these things. Coolest motorized doorstop ever.   

[Gramps46]

I am impressed and appreciate the background information too.

[afx]

Very nice work.

[1959scudetto]

On 6/6/2022 at 12:59 PM, afx said:

Very nice work.

Thanks, JC -  only work I did here was a little detailing....