Changing of the guard at the Rally Lancia?
04/14/2019
Something happened in Essen that observers of the scene had probably not expected. RM/Sotheby's had three of the most famous Lancia rally cars on offer as road versions, a Lancia Stratos, an 037 Rally and a Delta S4.
These three cars have been sought after for some time, with the Lancia Stratos probably having the most fans, as it was given a dress by Bertone that still looks breathtaking today.
The 1975 Lancia Stratos on offer bore chassis number 829AR0 001832 and was the 323rd of 492 examples built according to RM. With just under 11800 km, it was in very unused condition.
The Lancia 037 Rallyfrom 1982 showed the chassis number ZLA151AR000000022 and was thus number 22 of 217 models built according to RM; the example on offer had just 3500 km.
Finally, the Lancia Delta S4 Stradalefrom 1985, with chassis number ZLA038AR000000155, was one of officially 200 (others rumor 80) road cars built. With 2200 km on the clock, it had covered the least distance of the three.
The three Stradale versions went under the hammer at the RM/Sotheby's auction at Techno Classicaon April 12, 2019. The estimated prices were in line with the usual market expectations, with the Stratos set at EUR 480,000 to 520,000, the 037 at EUR 350,000 to 400,000 and the Delta S4 at EUR 450,000 to 550,000.
However, the bidders saw things differently. In the case of the Stratos, they followed the auctioneer's recommendations with a highest bid of EUR 480,000, bringing the sale price to EUR 545,000 (CHF 615,850) including the surcharge.
However, two bidders did not want to give in on the 037, as the sleek mid-engined sports car with Montecarlo silhouette went for EUR 770,000 (CHF 870,099).
The bidding battle between two willing buyers was even more intense for the Delta S4, which ultimately went for EUR 1,040,000 (CHF 1,175,200).
The 037 Rally and the Delta S4 Stradale had thus outperformed the Stratos, despite the fact that all of these cars are extremely rare and that the Stratos was actually the most successful rally car of the three cars, as its career lasted over half a decade with countless victories and trophies. After all, the 037 became world rally champion, while the Delta S4 was not granted this honor, not least because of the abolition of Group B.
Does this mean that the "run" on the Group B evolutionary cars is starting all over again and at a faster pace? Only the future will tell. From a purely rarity point of view, a million for a Delta S4 Stradale is perfectly acceptable, especially as the example sold was almost virgin. But perhaps the prices were just a twist of fate and due to the two bidders who really wanted one of these cars. This is also an auction dynamic ...
