The
#Lancia-Stratos-HF-Stradale #1974 /// TEXT José Ricardo Gouveia | IMAGE Tom Wood / RM Auctions ///
#Lancia-Stratos
Hall prototype of the rally world championship hero, the Lancia Stratos is still revered by motor sport enthusiasts. Your "civilian" version, the Lancia Stratos HF Stradale is a true collectible, ready to be driven fast.
Heroes of rallying
When we think of Italian exoticism, one of the models that immediately arises in the Lancia Stratos is. True prototype made rally champion, this fabulous product of Marcello Gandini imagination and Sandro Fiorio would come to dominate the World Rally Championship between 1974 and 1976. Along the way, the engine coupé placed in the rear center position would become a the most collectible Lancia ever.
In
#1970 the Hall of Turin has staged an impressive presentation by the Bertone. Leveraging its most radical and futuristic vein, the Italian design house unveiled the Stratos Zero model, a reinterpretation signed by Marcello Gandini of the car mixed with the appearance of a spaceship. Fetched from all angles, the Stratos caught the attention of the Director of Public Relations for Lancia and former pilot of rallies, Sandro Fiorio, which addressed the Managing Director of Lancia, Pierugo Gobbato, pitching the idea to compete in the World Rally Championship with a model based on Stratos Zero. A year later, in 1971, an orange Stratos HF (High Fidelity) was unveiled at the Turin, pointing out the intentions model competition.
The passage of the hall prototype to reality had the choice of engine one of its greatest challenges. Block that fitted to the Lancia Flavia 2000 in turbocharged version, the V6 engine that gave soul to the Fiat 130, there were many hypotheses proposed. In the end, Gobbato decided to use the Dino 246 GT V6 engine, but this choice was initially refused by Enzo Ferrari, who only agreed to supply 500 units in 1972. The Dino block, a "Vee" open to 65 degrees with 2418cc capacity, DIN 192 horsepower at 7000 rpm and had 220 Nm of maximum torque at 4000 rpm and is powered by a battery of
#Weber carburetors 40IDF. Later it was developed two versions for competition: one with 12 valves, capable of 275 horsepower at 7600 rpm, and the other with 24 valves, debiting 320 horsepower at 8500 rpm. The top was reached by the development of Group 5 type equipped with a V6 with 12 valves, turbo charged, capable of achieving a staggering 560 horsepower at 9000 rpm. The transmission was also donated by the model produced in Maranello, a box being synchronized five links, arranged in transversal position with the motor shaft.
Equating to the benefits of the Italian engine, consumption was too high it, having forced the Lancia engineers to the adoption of two fuel tanks, totaling 80 liters in the competition models and 50 liters in the road models.
The chassis monocoque steel structure allows the symmetric opening of both bonnets, making excellent accessibility to the mechanics of Stratos. Serving anchor the front and rear subframe, the monocoque enables re Lancia Stratos € Model Years of production 1973-1975 Total production 495 Strengths Weaknesses Originality Pedigree Mechanical Parts Market Rarity difficult Restore Quotation 100% Stadale € 180,000 Buy Now ! optimal partition weights, with 46 weight percent focusing on the front axle 54 and rear axle in per cent, while allowing to maintain the overall weight of the model under tonne. The set consists of lightweight Campagnolo alloy wheels measure 7.5x14 and acceding radial tires Michelin x W x 205/70 VR14 were what was most advanced at that time for high performance cars.
The independent suspension and both axes, triangles overlapping front and MacPherson type structure behind, with stabilizer bars, ensured overall effectiveness. Braking was handled by ventilated discs front and solid discs è ago without any assistance. What helped to simplify the system and ensure maximum fidelity to the touch, but it required a little effort from the pilot.
In September 1973 the production of Stratos HF "Stradale" - the civilian version of the rally model - was started in the factory of Bertone's Grugliasco, near Turin, and that same month the Stratos conquered its first major international victory on Tour Auto France. With Sandro Munari and Jean-Claude Andruet the wheel, the competition version of the
#Lancia Stratos allow the winning three championships rallies world - in 1974, 1975 and 1976 - and 83 victories in rallies. In October 1974 the Stratos was finally homologated for Group 4 by the FIA, and the production of the model would be given as completed in 1975, when they were completed the ultimate models for approval. Interestingly the model remained in the brand catalog until 1980, given the difficulty of Lancia in disposing the latest units.
Motor
Real piece of exotic clocks, the V6 Ferrari origin should be kept by a specialist experienced in the tempestuous Italian machines. Made with performance as main objective, this has the main weak point cam shafts, which tend to wear out too quickly, especially when the heating times of the material are not respected.
Even more serious, the disregard for valve clearances - to be checked every 10,000 kilometers - can lead to serious problems.
Check the condition of belts, looking for worn equipment or elements that vibrate too much. Also, search see if the engine consumes oil, or emits blue smoke when cleaning speeds up, indicating worn cylinder liners. Very common exhaust valves tend to break as they will over time lose their internal reinforcement sodium based.
Transmission
Ferrari also of origin, the five-speed gearbox synchronized Manning Stratos is placed in transverse position, the motor shaft. Without being one of the weaknesses of the mechanics, the box turns out to require careful maintenance, especially at the level of oil changes and seals in order to keep this up and running.
Bodywork
Molded plastic, the body is fragile but easily repairable. However, being too thin in certain places (for example in ports), you may need to bring some reinforcements.
Upon inspection of the car, try to determine what kind of chassis uses. Unlike replicas that are produced nowadays with tubular frame, the true Stratos uses a monocoque steel sheet. Check carefully - and preferably from a specialist - the chassis of the state steel, which in addition to damage inflicted during a strike, it may present areas with corrosion.
Interestingly, the true usually are faulty in assembling the body, contrary to the apparent perfection of the replicas. In terms of colours, the Stratos was originally marketed in yellow, light blue, dark blue, green and red, the latter the most popular of all.
Suspension
Using a suspension entirely devoted scheme for the competition, Stratos HF used in the front axle and triangles helical springs, and one rear axle MacPherson type structure triangles and lower coil springs. For its delicate and exposed nature, the triangles are components that require close attention, especially in models with racing history. Also, the buffers are considered elements of rapid wear and must follow a strict maintenance regime.
With the car on the lift, check the state of the triangles, silent blocks and bushes, looking for obvious signs of wear or damage caused by accident or use more "lit". Essential for the proper functioning of the chassis, these elements are of great importance for those who want to enjoy your car.
Brakes
Equipped with ventilated discs in front and solid back, without the aid of servo, the Lancia Stratos HF has these two elements mechanical reliability pillars. Suffering with only normal wear over time, the brakes must be checked in the state of disks, pads and quality of the liquid in the hydraulic circuit, which should be appropriate to the type of intended use. Also check the condition of the pipes to be strengthened.
Direction
The steering box, type rack and pinion, is another sensitive Lancia Stratos HF points. Direct and precise, providing scant 3.2 Top wheel turns the top, it tends to suffer from corrosion, but mainly with problems of clearances and lubrication. Check the condition of the steering box, including how this was maintained over the years.
Electricals
Like any good Italian built in the 70's worth its salt, the electrical part of 12 Volts, supplied by Marelli, is a real disgrace, and strongly recommended to replace (if this operation has not already been done) in order to prevent malfunction or, in extreme cases, principles of fire. Although rare, most of the pieces were donated by other Fiat models, must be sought in cars donors.
Interior
Built solely as a vehicle homologation, the Stratos HF Stradale is quite rudimentary inside, suffering from lack of development in this area in particular. Very brittle, the interior of Stratos tends to disintegrate (literally) to the first contact with moisture, which causes quite a few cars today keep all the original elements with which it left the factory. The good news is that it is relatively simple quilt Lancia Stratos HF one, but the middle loses the component originality. To help case the plastic side windows are handled through a rudimentary regulator, not perfectly sealed, which in turn causes the passenger compartment fills with water when left in the open air. Therefore, check the inside of carefully, looking for watermarks.
Conclusion
Produced in a very limited amount - 492 functional units over three prototypes - and own a truly impressive pedigree of competition, the Lancia Stratos HF Stradale is a rare (and very expensive) collection of jewellery, available to a handful of lucky. Which is not to say that you are not one of them. So, for we've saved one last piece of advice: look for your dream calmly Stratos, using professional services. And do not try to restore the garage. You're rich, and subcontract shake the local economy. You will be best served.
The electrical part is a major cause of headaches in the Stratos and is therefore one of the first areas to be reviewed for a more careful restoration or maintenance
Tips & Market
Useful links
Lancia Portugal (www.lancia.pt)
Lancia Club Portugal (
http://lanciaclubeportugal.full-forum.com)
Stratos Enthusiasts Club (www.stratosec.com)
Lancia Stratos.com (www.lanciastratos.com)
Lancia Stratos Owners Club (www.lanciastratos.jp)
Lancia Motor Club (www.lanciamotorclub.co.uk)
Lancia Club Sport (www.lanciasport.com)
AUTORICAMBI d'Epoca (www.autoepoca.it/lanciaparts)
Unique Cars and Parts (www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au)
Designed and built by Bertone, the Stratos Stradale models are quite raw in terms of finish
Having served for type approval that won the World Rally Championship for three consecutive years, the Stratos Stradale maintains a series of coming competition details. The shortage of parts makes its restoration difficult
Lancia Stratos
Use 2
Maintenance 3
Reliability 4
Valuation 5
Buy it now!
Model Lancia Stratos
Years of production 1973-1975
Total production 495
Strengths Weaknesses Originality Pedigree Mechanical Parts Market Rarity difficult Restore Quotation 100% Stadale € 180,000