As fantastic as the Stratos production models were, the rally car is in another league of intensity. Giant fender flares, hugely oversized tires and a raised ride height make this exotic wedge look as ready for off-roading as was possible.
Considering it is essentially a hypercar, the idea of whipping through the forest, drifting so wide that the side windows look forward is almost unreal. Terrifying levels of power, extremely limited grip and flyweight dimensions mean the Stratos was a next-level machine in the world of rallying.
The Stratos won the newly-formed WRC for three years in a row from 1974 to 1976 as the manufacturer title, and won the first-ever driver title as well in 1977. As great as the Stratos was, it really helped WRC to become a force in the racing world.
The league was new for 1973 and zinging Stratos Lancia’s flying sideways through the woods earned global acclaim for this new type of balls-out, throttle-down racing.
1975 Lancia Stratos
Rally Car
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