Description

New FIA regulations introduced in 1980 revitalized the World Rally Championship by allowing automakers to homologate a limited number of road-going versions of their racing cars. Lancia engaged Abarth to develop Project 037 as a successor to the Stratos HF. The new rally car was based on the Montecarlo road car, with the engine and suspension mounted on tubular subframes at both ends. The 037 Stradale featured a 205 hp, 2.0-litre supercharged four-cylinder engine. A five-speed gearbox sent power from the mid-mounted motor to the rear wheels. Pininfarina built the body shell from polyester reinforced with fibreglass, and final development occurred in their wind tunnel. The legendary rally-ready 037 secured the constructors’ title the following year despite strong competition from Audi’s Quattro system. The 037 became the last rear-wheel drive World Rally Champion.

The example presented here, which was delivered new to Italy, is one of only 207 Stradale examples built. It remained in Italy until it was sold to a collector in Monte Carlo in 2012. It was then delivered to the famous Abarth and Lancia engineer brothers, the ‘Baldi twins’, in Turin in 2017. A full inspection and service were performed there, including the restoration and rebuilding of cosmetic and mechanical components. It was then exported to the UK in 2018 before being sold to a USA client shortly after in 2019. This pristine example was then exported to Hong Kong and has been carefully maintained and stored by the current custodian. This example comes with a huge history file and is documented from the beginning. If you are looking to add a quality rally legend to your collection, please get in touch with us immediately for more information.