Lancia 037 Rally Stradale
The 1982 Lancia 037 Rally Stradale is a car of enormous historical significance, being the road-going homologation version of the last rear-wheel-drive car to win the World Rally Championship. In an era when Audi had introduced four-wheel drive to rallying with the Quattro, Lancia responded not with AWD but with a supremely optimized two-wheel-drive car that, in the right conditions, could still beat the technologically superior opposition.
The 037 was developed by Abarth (Lancia's competition department) in collaboration with Dallara for the chassis and Pininfarina for the body design. The car was based on the Lancia Montecarlo platform but so extensively modified that the relationship was barely recognizable. The engine, a 1,995cc inline-four with dual overhead camshafts and a Volumex supercharger, was repositioned from mid-engine to mid-rear, and the entire structure was reinforced.
In Stradale specification, the supercharged engine produced approximately 205 horsepower, though competition versions developed substantially more. The Volumex supercharger provided immediate boost without the lag associated with turbocharging, giving the 037 sharp, responsive power delivery that was particularly suited to the point-and-squirt nature of rally driving.
Pininfarina's body design was clean and purposeful, with smooth aerodynamic surfaces and restrained use of air intakes and spoilers. The fiberglass body panels were light and easily replaceable — practical considerations for a car destined for rally stages. The overall shape was elegant enough for road use while being functionally optimized for competition.
The 037's greatest triumph came in 1983 when it won the World Rally Championship, defeating the more technologically advanced Audi Quattro. This victory was achieved primarily through dominance on tarmac events, where the lighter, more agile 037 could exploit its advantages on dry, paved surfaces. On loose surfaces, the Quattro's four-wheel drive advantage was more difficult to overcome.
Lancia produced approximately 200 Stradale versions to satisfy Group B homologation requirements. These road cars featured detuned engines, basic interior trim, and the minimum equipment necessary for street legality. Despite these concessions, driving a 037 Stradale remains an intense experience, with the supercharged engine's instant response and the car's light weight combining to create vivid performance.
Today, the 037 Rally Stradale is one of the most coveted Group B homologation cars. Its historical significance as the last RWD WRC winner, combined with its Pininfarina styling and genuine competition heritage, has driven values to extraordinary levels.
Authentication through the 037 registry is essential. The Volumex supercharger should be inspected for bearing condition and proper boost delivery. Check the chassis for any signs of competition use or crash repair. Fiberglass body panels should be assessed for quality and fit. The engine is a stressed, high-performance unit that requires specialist maintenance. Provenance documentation adds substantial value.
Approximately 200 Stradale versions were built between 1982 and 1983 to satisfy Group B homologation requirements. Chassis were developed by Dallara, bodies by Pininfarina, and competition preparation by Abarth.