An absolutely jaw-dropping 1974 Lancia Stratos HF
Stradale has appeared for sale on Bring A Trailer and, at the time of writing
this article, had a highest bid of US$ 311,000.
This particular Stratos HF Stradale is the 44th of
just 492 examples homologated for World Rally Championship Group 4 competition
and has had just two owners from new. While many classic Lancias are garage
queens, this Stratos was driven frequently during its early years and currently
has 71,008 km (44,122 miles) under its belt.
Still, the Italian sports car retains its original
engine, transmission, chassis and the beautiful body styled by Bertone. The car
rolled out of the factory on July 1, 1974 and was first registered on July 8,
1977 and driven roughly 20,000 km during the next three years. The second owner
acquired the car on June 18, 1980 and drove it roughly 50,000 km before putting
it in storage in 1984.
Alongside its original powertrain and exterior, this
Stratos has a highly-original interior, apart from the renewed seat bolsters.
To give the car a new lease on life, the factory coilover suspension has been
rebuilt and restored, and the brakes fitted with rebuilt calipers, new lines,
and Karp’s rotors. Additionally, a set of period-correct Michelin XWX tires
have been installed.
