The Lancia Stratos was taken out of service thirty years ago
The Lancia Stratos was probably one of the most successful rally cars of all time, if not the most successful ever.
In 1972, Sandro Munari and co-driver Mario Mannucci competed for the first time (in Corsica) in the mid-engined sports car, which had been specially designed for use in rally championships; one year later, he won the same rally with the Stratos. This success was followed by many more.
In order to be homologated for Group 4, 500 vehicles had to be built, and on October 1, 1974, this proof could be provided.
In 1981, seven years later, the homologation period expired on October 1, 1981, which meant the final end of the Stratos' rally career.
The Bertone-designed Stratos only failed to win a few rallies, such as the RAC and the East African Safari (narrowly missing out on overall victory twice).
The Lancia Stratos was officially used by the factory until 1978, when it was replaced by the Fiat 131 Abarth. But even after the end of official factory use, the Stratos did not stop winning. Bernard Darniche/Alain Mahé alone won forty international rallies in the Stratos, and many private drivers and private teams used the flat and short mid-engined sports car successfully in a wide variety of championships and events.
The palmares of the Lancia Stratos is more than impressive and in addition to the three Monte Carlo victories, the fast wedge also won the Targa Florio and the Giro d'Italia, as well as the Tour de France.
Today, the Stratos is a welcome and still powerful participant in historic racing events.