Ever wondered which was the first
wedge-shaped mid-engined supercar designed by Mr. Marcello Gandini of
Bertone? If the Lamborghini Countach came to mind, we’re sorry to burst
the bubble. It’s the Lancia Stratos, also known as the Tipo 829.Circa 490 examples of the breed were produced from 1973 to 1978, but it’s anyone’s guess how many rally-spec cars and road cars were ultimately built. This pistachio green Stratos HF Stradale from 1974 is one of the best examples in existence though and it's heading to auction.
Slated to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on May 23rd, estimates tell that this rally-bred Lancia is worth anything between €350,000 to €450,000, the equivalent of $393,575 - $506,025 at current rates.
As every road-going Stratos, the Hulk-ified example on hand is animated by a 2.4-liter Ferrari Dino V6 that sends 192 bhp to the rear axle via a 5-speed manual transmission. The displacement and output of the powerhouse aren’t exactly show stoppers, yet the three Weber carburetors and the sound of the all-Italian six-banger are the bee’s knees.
What’s more impressive than the firepower and wedge-shaped bodywork is the originality of Stratos chassis number 829AR0 001571 here. Originally retained by Lancia with the intention of morphing it into a works rally car, the Stratos on hand was eventually sold to a dealer in northern Italy. It remained there until the early ‘90s when the current owner purchased the HF Stradale.
The best thing, however, is that mostly everything on it is original, including the pistachio green exterior paint and beige suede upholstery.
1974 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale - photo gallery
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