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1977 LANCIA STRATOS HF
MODEL HISTORY
The Lancia Stratos HF (Tipo 829), widely and more simply known as Lancia Stratos, started production in 1973 and went on to become a very successful and iconic rally car, winning the World Rally Championship in 1974, 1975 and 1976. It was the first design project between Bertone and Lancia, who where well known for their design links with Pininfarina. Built as a Rally car to replace the Lancia Fulvia, the Stratos was based on the designs of Bertone's Marcello Gandini who also designed the Lamborghini Miura and Countach.
During early production it was decided to use a Ferrari Dino V6, however, Enzo Ferrari initially was not in agreement of this as he saw it as competition to his own Dino V6. Eventually when the production of the Dino ended Enzo Ferrari agreed on delivering 500 units to Lancia.
The Stratos was a very successful rally car during the 1970s and early 1980s. It started a new era in rallying as it was the first car designed from scratch for this kind of competition. The three leading men behind the entire rallying project were Lancia team manager Cesare Fiori, British racer/engineer Mike Parkes and factory rally driver Sandro Munari.
The car won the 1974, 1975 and 1976 Championships in the hands of Munari and Björn Waldegård, and might have gone on to win more had not internal politics within the Fiat group placed rallying responsibility on the Fiat 131 Abarths. As well as victories on the 1975, 1976 and 1977 Monte Carlo Rally, all courtesy of Munari, the Stratos won the event with the private Chardonnet Team as late as 1979.
EQUIPMENT
14-inch Campagnolo alloy wheels, Klippan harnesses, Sun visors, Heater, Roof spoiler, Rear spoiler, Rear window louvres, Electrical kill switch, Spare wheel.
EXTERIOR
The classic wedge styling of the Stratos still remains truly striking. The body presents as new throughout having been fully repainted to a very high standard by The Classic Car Workshop in 2015. Lancia specialists, Walkers Garage Ltd, oversaw the car's complete and thorough restoration and the result is one exceptional Stratos.
The body panel numbers are still visible inside the front clam and door shuts, and both the front and rear panels show no signs of any historical damage. The correct Stratos and Bertone decals have been freshly applied, and all trim pieces appear as new. The window louvers, roof and boot spoilers are also in excellent condition.
Chassis number: 829ARO 001744
Body number: 1240 252
Body number: 1240 252
INTERIOR
The compact interior remains in very good condition with a lovely patina throughout. The black vinyl dash, headlining, and fawn suede seats are original and show no signs of excessive wear. Furthermore the dials and switchgear are all correct and operating exactly as they should with no electrical issues.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Lifting the large rear shell reveals the wonderful Dino V6 power plant. In June 2015 the current owner spent over £14,000 with Walkers Garage to rectify any issues that were discovered after a full inspection and check over.
The work included but was not limited to: new hoses, brake and clutch lines, suspension refurbishment, oil service and filter replacement, airbox and header tank refurbishment, rolling road test and carb set up, new ignition system and sports coil, plus the fitting of bespoke stainless steel silencers and pipes. The gearbox also received treatment including new seals and fresh oil.
Engine number: 829A 000 001097
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The Stratos sits on the original 14-inch Campagnolo alloy wheels, finished in striking gold paint with the correct domed wheel nuts fitted. The alloys have been recently refurbished and look exceptional. Walkers Garage fitted a brand new set of Michelin XWX classic tyres last year and also replaced the brake lines and master cylinder.
HISTORY FILE
As one of only 492 Stratos HFs manufactured, this example was first registered in Austria on 17th April 1977. It was later imported to the UK in 2001 where its new owner would keep the car for the next thirteen years before it changed hands again in 2014. The current mileage of 100,994km is believed genuine.
Present in the history file is the UK V5C showing just two keepers. Also present are the original Austrian ownership documents that confirm the vehicle to be ‘matching numbers'. An invoice from Walkers Garage for the extensive work carried out completes the paperwork.
SELECTED BY: CLASSIC CHATTER
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