Lancia Stratos

Introduction

The Lancia Stratos is one of the most iconic rally cars ever built, produced between 1973 and 1978. Designed specifically for rally competition, it marked a bold departure from conventional road cars of the time. With its mid-engine layout, striking wedge-shaped design, and Ferrari-powered V6 engine, the Stratos dominated the World Rally Championship, cementing its place in motorsport history.

Exterior

The exterior of the Stratos is instantly recognizable with its sharp, wedge-shaped body designed by Bertone. Its compact dimensions, wide stance, and short wheelbase made it highly agile on tight rally stages. Pop-up headlights, a steeply raked windshield, and aggressive flared fenders gave it a futuristic and purposeful appearance. Built for both performance and spectacle, it remains an icon of Italian automotive design.

Interior

Inside, the Lancia Stratos had a minimalist and functional cabin designed with racing in mind. The cockpit was compact, with bucket seats, simple instrumentation, and controls positioned for quick access during competition. Visibility was limited due to the steep windshield and small side windows, but the interior’s focus was purely on performance rather than comfort.

Safety Features

For its time, the Stratos featured a reinforced tubular chassis and a strong safety cell to protect the driver and co-driver during rally events. Basic safety equipment included seatbelts, roll cages, and fire suppression systems in racing versions. While it lacked modern electronic aids, its robust construction and rally-specific safety measures made it suitable for extreme conditions.

Engine Trims

The Stratos was powered by a 2.4L Ferrari Dino V6 engine producing around 190 horsepower in road-going versions and up to 280 horsepower in rally-spec cars. Paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, it delivered blistering performance, with acceleration and handling tailored for rally stages. The mid-engine configuration provided exceptional balance and agility.

Maintenance

Maintenance of the Stratos is complex and costly due to its rarity and Ferrari-sourced components. Specialist knowledge is required to service its engine, chassis, and unique bodywork. Spare parts are limited and expensive, making it a collector’s car rather than a daily driver. Enthusiasts value it as a historic motorsport icon worth the investment.

Competitors

The Lancia Stratos competed with rally cars such as the Ford Escort RS, Alpine A110, and Fiat 131 Abarth. While these rivals were strong, none matched the Stratos’ combination of design, agility, and power. It secured three consecutive World Rally Championships (1974–1976), establishing itself as one of the greatest rally cars of all time.