Car of the Week #17

Lancia Stratos HF Stradale

The Stratos name was first seen on the Lancia Stratos Zero concept, displayed at the Turin Motor Show in 1970. The following year, the company were proudly displaying their latest prototype – the HF – ultimately inspired by the brave Stratos prototype, but adapted with the sole purpose to be a competitive force in the World Rally Championship.

Not only did the Stratos dominate the World Rally Championship – winning three titles in a row (1973 through to 1976) but also claimed multiple victories at the Monte Carlo Rally (1975 through to 1977). With the compact design sporting a fully wrap-around windscreen, Ferrari powered V6 engine (first seen on a Dino 246) and four-wheel independent suspension, combined with a five-speed manual transmission – the HF was a force to be reckoned with.

Due to the fact that the company had to create 400 road-legal units (dropped from 500 in 1974) to compete in the World Rally Championship, the legacy of the championship-winning car lives on. The Stradale pictured above will be on display alongside 60 of the world’s finest cars at the Palace of Holyroodhouse this year.