The Last Rear-Wheel Wonder: When Lancia's 037 Danced to Victory
The Lancia 037—a car that, much like a fine Italian espresso, packs a surprising punch within its compact frame. Born from the collaboration between Lancia and Abarth, the 037 was introduced in the early 1980s to conquer the newly formed Group B rally category. Its design, a harmonious blend of Pininfarina's aesthetics and Abarth's engineering, featured a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, making it the last of its kind to clinch a World Rally Championship title.
Under the hood, the 037 housed a supercharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, delivering power with the immediacy of a maestro's baton. This mechanical symphony was orchestrated by the likes of Walter Röhrl and Markku Alén, whose prowess behind the wheel led Lancia to secure the manufacturers' title in 1983, fending off formidable four-wheel-drive adversaries like the Audi Quattro.
The 037's chassis, a marriage of a steel monocoque center with tubular subframes, provided the agility of a ballet dancer, allowing it to pirouette through the treacherous terrains of rally stages. Its bodywork, crafted from lightweight materials, bore the iconic Martini Racing livery, a visual cue that this machine meant business.
Despite the technological onslaught of four-wheel-drive competitors, the Lancia 037's victories were a testament to the skill of its drivers and the ingenuity of its designers. It remains a symbol of an era when passion and creativity could outpace sheer technological might.
Your Turn Behind the Wheel: What Do You Think?
Lancia-Abarth #037 Group B 1983