1974 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale
by Bertone
Chassis No. 829AR0 001544
Engine No. 829A*000*001146*
Transmission No. 001163
Body No. 214
44th of "492" Produced
Lifelong Home-Market HF Stradale
Radical, Advanced Design by Marcello Gandini as the First Purpose
Built Factory Rally Car
An Exceptionally Honest Example, Remarkably Preserved & Never
Raced
Just Two Owners & 70,000 Kilometers (43,500 Miles) from New
Verified Numbers-Matching by Stratos guru Thomas Popper of the
Lancia Stratos Owners Club
2017 Thorough Mechanical Servicing and Extensive Detailing -
Prepared for Immediate Enjoyment
Available for Worldwide Purchase & Delivery from our Houston
Showroom
An Exhilarating Motorcars with and Excellent Driving Feel
Few competition cars can be said to have changed the face of their
sport; the Lancia Stratos HF is one such car and considered the
Godfather of modern Rally. Unlike earlier rally cars that were
derived from manufacturers' production models, the Stratos was
designed from the outset to win rallies; its short wheelbase, wide
track, and powerful Ferrari-built engine endowing it with
incredible speed and staggering agility. In all, Bertone's records
indicate that they built 502 body shells through 1975, but it is
unclear how many Stratos were finally completed by Lancia. Sources
differ, but 492 seems to be the consensus for total production.
Body number 214, was completed at Bertone's Grugliasco works on
June 25, 1974, painted red-orange (color code 2-464-171) with red
carpets, "Havana" Alcantara seats, and black dashboard, door
panels, and seat backs. Final assembly at Lancia was completed on
the 1st of July 1974, with an invoice date of July 9, 1974, and it
was assigned chassis number 001544. The Stratos was first
registered on July 8, 1977 with number plate TO R05675, and it was
driven about 20,000 kms over the subsequent three years. The car
was then acquired by its second owner on June 18, 1980, and on May
25, 1981 it was registered with a new number plate, Roma Y70340,
which it still retains (new reproduction). The second owner added
about 50,000 kilometers until 1984, when the car was stored and
seldom driven. After a lifetime of Italian residency, DriverSource
acquired 001544 in 2017 and the Stratos made its way to Houston,
Texas via British Airways.
This particular Stratos is one of only a few that has never been
raced and it remains to this day in remarkably original condition.
In years past, the fragile seat bolsters were recovered, retaining
the original Havana inserts to an otherwise preserved cabin,
essentially as it left the factory. All glass is original,
including the windshield with period Automobile Club d'Italia decal
and vinyl registration pouch. Long ago it received an exterior
repaint in correct Rosso Arancio Rally 171with a beautiful
preservation appearance today. The front compartment contains the
original spare tire assembly, windshield washer pouch and
auxiliaries - as does the engine bay with its rare Stratos specific
airbox, gas caps and other components. The luggage boot is clean
and tidy. Importantly, 001544 retains its original Bertone (214)
body number stampings and tags - located on the trunk lid and wall,
vertically along both lower door hinges, on the left front chassis,
along with the full chassis number along the right front chassis
and nearby supplemental Lancia plaque.
While under our care, the Stratos has received a complete
mechanical freshening and extensive detailing to outstanding
results. The coilovers were rebuilt and restored by Italian Car
Parts, calipers by Karp's with new lines, discs, uprated and
adjustable sway bar linkage, all new fluids, filters and ignition
system consumables, coolant and oil hoses, breather reservoir,
rebuilt carburetors and period correct Michelin XWX tires. The car
is an absolute thrill to drive, behind the wheel the operator is
instantly reminded why these cars were and still are so successful
on the rally circuit. In both power delivery and handling, 00154
performs beyond expectations, distinctly Stratos and unlike
anything else.
This car presents a rare opportunity to acquire a highly original
and unmolested example of Lancia's rally icon, rarely ever seen on
the open market, 00154 comes complete with copies of its original
titlework documenting owner history, original insurance and
registration slips, all importation documentation, original owner's
manual, Lancia Stratos 1972-1985 by R.M. Clarke, as well as
bindered copies of every owners, users, spare parts and technical
data booklets every produced for the Lancia Stratos. Available for
the first time on U.S. soil, with a clean and clear Texas title,
here is an exceptional opportunity not to be missed.
