Lot details
- Same owner since 2001
- From one of the most important French Group B collections
- Engine completely rebuilt in 2023
- Less than 16,000 km from new
In 1982, when the homologation came to an end, so did the exceptional career of the Lancia Stratos. This was the same year that its successor, the Lancia 037, first took to the road. The Fiat-Lancia group were looking for a new and efficient rally car to follow in the tracks of the outstanding Flavia, Fulvia H.F., Stratos and 131 Abarth. The new car, called the Lancia-Abarth Rallye projet 037, was developed from 1980 by a small team, led by Sergio Limone. Giorgio Pianta was the first to test the car on the Pirelli track at Vizzola, near Milan, and to work on its development. The base of the prototype was the Lancia Monte Carlo, with tubular structures in steel at front and back. The tubular monocoque was strong but light, as well as being accessible and easy to dismantle.
The four-cylinder engine, transverse on the production model, was positioned lengthways on the competition version. The 2-litre engine on the latter produced 300 bhp at 8,000 rpm, and the production model, as offered here, was capable of more than 100 bhp per 1,000cc, reaching 205 bhp at 7,500 rpm. This power was obtained by use of a supercharger advocated by the engineer Aurelio Lampredi, and developed by Abarth. This was better suited to rallying than a turbocharger, as it provided power at all speeds when accelerating. The gearbox was a strong five-speed ZF box. The body was designed and made in polyester resin and fibreglass by Pininfarina. Two hundred road cars were produced to fulfil the homologation regulations, along with twenty racing cars.
While registered in Italy, this beautiful Lancia 037 was purchased in 2001 from a leading Italian rally car specialist in the Cuneo region by its current owner. The current owner comes from a large rallying family, with his son now competing in French rallies at the wheel of a Rally 2.
At the time, the car had just over 10,000 kilometres and was in beautiful original condition. Since then, it has been used sparingly, like the other Group Bs in the collection, with our collector ensuring that it is driven little but regularly. A few years ago, it was exhibited at the Epoqu'auto show in Lyon.
This 037 remains in rare original condition. It is one of the last unrestored models to be found in Europe. The original interior is in rare condition, with a patina of age and the seats only slightly discolored. It is fitted with Sabelt four-point harnesses. The car is spectacular with its rear bonnet reminiscent of the 037 EVO.
In 2023, the engine was rebuilt by the family mechanic who had worked for a tuner in the Group B era. Parts invoices are available in the file. The cylinder head was rectified, the pistons and valves were new and the crankshaft was kept because it was in good condition. Since the refurbishment, the car has been running in.
This Lancia, in unique original condition, is one of the last opportunities to acquire a well-preserved European example.
Please note that the vehicle doesn't have a valid technical inspection.
Photos ©Alexis Ruben
