A Rebel's Chariot: When Avant-Garde Design Conquered the Rally World
The Lancia Stratos—a car that looks as if it were designed by someone who had only ever heard descriptions of cars over a bad telephone connection. Its wedge-shaped body, courtesy of Marcello Gandini at Bertone, appears to have been inspired more by doorstops than by any automotive lineage. Yet, beneath this peculiar exterior lies a heart borrowed from Ferrari: a 2.4-liter Dino V6 engine producing around 190 horsepower.
This oddball contraption was Lancia's secret weapon in the world of rallying. With a wheelbase shorter than a politician's memory—just 2,180 mm—it could dart through tight corners with the agility of a startled cat. Its featherweight construction, tipping the scales at a mere 980 kg, meant it could accelerate with the enthusiasm of a caffeine-fueled teenager.
The Stratos wasn't just a quirky face; it was a champion. It clinched the World Rally Championship titles in 1974, 1975, and 1976, leaving competitors wondering if they'd been overtaken by a UFO.
In essence, the Lancia Stratos is proof that sometimes, throwing out the rule book and starting with a blank sheet—preferably one found in a modern art gallery—can lead to automotive greatness.
" If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough. "
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Mario Andretti
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Italian-American racing driver 🇺🇸🇮🇹
Your Turn Behind the Wheel: What Do You Think?
Lancia Stratos 1972