LANCIA STRATOS HF STRADALE (1972)

The Lancia Stratos (another name: Stratos HF) is an Italian sports and rally car that was first presented to the general public as a concept vehicle in 1970 at the Turin Motor Show. Its serial production lasted from 1972 to 1974 and was carried out in Turin, Italy. In its course, along with prototypes, about 500 cars of this model were created. The Stratos model was designed by Marcello Gandini, working in the early 1970s in the Bertone design office. Shortly thereafter, in 1971, the Stratos HF with a Ferrari engine appeared. Then the Lancia company became interested in the vehicle, which undertook short-series production and was instrumental in obtaining approval for the Stratos to participate in rallies. The car was very successful in them, winning the World Rally Championship three times in a row (in 1974, 1975 and 1976)! Its success was determined primarily by a great drive unit, very good traction properties as well as a solid and durable structure of the frame and body. The thoughtfully constructed suspension also made a difference.