Driving impressions

The 037 Stradale’s interior is a fabulous 80’s throwback, red pinstripe on black cord. The seats are surprisingly comfortable with more support and cushioning than one expected. The black mood is carried over into virtually every item of trim, and the Alcantara dash and centre panel really make the car feel special, as a homologation special should!

The dashboard contains many instruments, giving a great sense of occasion. The rev counter and tachometer are placed directly in front of the driver with the power peak of 7000 rpm noted on the rev counter. The additional instrumentation informs the driver of the oil pressure and water temperature, but also oil temperature and supercharger boost pressure whilst the centre console consists of a bank of pop-out blown fuse indicators, very Group B rally car!

The engine fires almost instantly with a turn of the key. Between 1200 rpm and 1400 rpm the engine burbles, sending vibrations through the bodywork, seats, peddles and steering wheel, bringing the car to life. Having selected the driver-focussed dog-leg first gear, the wide and direct, yet not heavy, clutch pedal can be released. The car picks up well and the engine with its clean, crisp, raspy noise only encourages the driver to lean more on the accelerator.

There is no sudden lurch or prod in the back, the engine is smooth, progressive, and the chassis more than capable of maintaining traction through the corners. The chassis and suspension setup is fantastic, the car is comfortable, yet the cornering capabilities are far greater than one would expect, the rally DNA really very prominent. The wind noise is low and the cabin temperature is well controlled, never does this cars cockpit get too warm.

As a driver, the car and engine package feels strong, it’s built for manoeuvrability, reliability, strength and stamina. The pin-sharp steering, coupled with one of the most progressive brake pedals in existence makes this car an absolute joy to drive.

This car

The car offered here, chassis no. 046, was delivered new to Lancia’s native market, Italy, via Garage Centrale Beretta in Lecco. On the 5^th March 1993, the car was first registered with the Italian authorities to Elisabetta Colombo who resided in Varese. The car was assigned the registration ‘VA D62733’. It is understood that the car was purchased by a gentleman and given to his wife as a wedding gift!

Sadly, the couple divorced later and the husband retained the Lancia 037 in his garage where it laid dormant for many years. It was photographed in December 2005 by its soon-to-be owner Mr Georges Nunes and at the time was displaying 5,455 KMs, still retaining its Varese registration plates.

Once Mr Nunes has bought the car he registered it in Germany, although it is understood he transported the car to his dealership ‘Sport Classe’ in Portugal. In 2010 Mr Nunes sold the car to a friend in Lisbon, Mr Manuel Jose Do Espirito Santo Ferrao, who registered the car in Portugal with the registration ’13-JU-59’. In November 2013, the car passed a technical inspection in Portugal where the mileage was noted as 5,952 KMs.

The current owner purchased the car in June 2014 and only last year had the car fully recommissioned. The car was delivered to L’Officina S.p.r.l who completed a full engine service including all new belts and fluids. Images of the works completed in 2016 are within the cars history file. At this time the car also received a full suspension rebuild including all new joints. The brake system was also overhauled including the brake calipers. Mileage was noted as 5,997 KMs and the works totalled in excess of €18,000.

The Stradale offered here is one of only 207 homologated 037s built to enable Lancia to compete, and win, the World Rally Championship in 1983. The 037 kick-started Lancia’s resurgence in rallying which would result in them winning the World Rally Championship six times consecutively!