This New York Auto Show Lancia Stratos Stole Our Attention
The Lancia Stratos is a fixture in rally racing history and an all-around striking presence. At least, that’s how we felt seeing this Stratos in the flesh at the New York International Auto Show. Complete with its Bertone styling and meticulously cared-for condition, it’s hard not to fall in love with the short-wheelbase Italian racer. Check out this piece of rally car memorabilia and racing heritage hero in all its glory.
The New York International Auto Show plays host to some seriously stunning cars, but this Lancia Stratos demands attention
We visited the 2023 New York International Auto Show, and, as you might expect, there was no shortage of top-notch rides. However, one wedge-shaped dream machine stole our attention more than most: a bright red Lancia Stratos. The car was at the show courtesy of The Cultivated Collector, a Connecticut-based exotic car outfit with no shortage of jaw-dropping supercars.
The Lancia Stratos we caught up with is a homologated 1974 model, complete with a lovingly maintained Ferrari Dino-derived 2.4L V6 engine. Still, the most stunning part of the Stratos is its gorgeous Bertone bodywork, which proudly wears a bright Rosso Arancio paint scheme.
In addition to the Stratos, The Cultivated Collector has some world-class toys in its library, like a 1997 Ferrari F355, a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS, and a 1986 Ford RS200 Evolution rally car.
The Lancia Stratos is steeped in rally car history
The Lancia Stratos is more than a pretty face and deceptively-short wheelbase; it’s a rally car icon. The Stratos was the first purpose-built car that the marque entered into rally racing, and it had steep competition.
However, the car won three constructor’s titles in rally sport, an accomplishment that no other rally car topped until the Lancia Integrale, per CarThrottle. Moreover, the wedge-shaped race car stole 18 World Rally Championship (WRC) titles, making it one of history’s most recognizable and beloved rally cars.
How much is a Lancia Stratos worth?
A 1974 Lancia Stratos HF with a 190-horsepower Dino-derived V6 has an average value of $512,000, per Hagerty. However, a race car variant would be much more expensive.
Still, if you want a newer interpretation of the classic icon, you could opt for the new Stratos, a re-bodied Ferrari with no shortage of carbon fiber, throwback style, and a price tag steeper than the classic version. That, or you could opt for a kit car that costs as much as a Toyota GR Supra.
What do you think of this stunning short-wheelbase rally car? Tell us in the comments below!
