When it comes to rally cars, the Group B era is what springs instantly to most people's minds. That category featured stunning machines such as the Lancia 037 and the Audi Quattro. But before that, was the Group 4 regulations that featured some equally magnificent machines such as the Ford Escort RS1800. But perhaps the greatest Group 4 rally car of them all was Lancia’s epic Stratos, with its beautiful and distinctive design, incredible sounding V6 and it's short wheelbase making it a demon in the corners. This footage uploaded by ALPS Racing Media on YouTube shows classic Stratos being put through their paces on classic rally stages.
Short Wheel-Base And V6 Engine Combine To Make A Monster
The Stratos itself first appeared in 1973, and of course, each race car that participated in the World Rally Championship had to be a production car as well, even if it was a limited run. Only 492 Stratos were ever produced, making originals a rarity now. In the WRC though, it showed its prowess by winning the championship in 1974, '75 and '76 as well as the Tour de France Automobile five times and three editions of the Giro d'Italia automobilistico.
It was powered by a Dino V6 engine that would pump out 190 hp for the road but rally Stratos would produce 275 hp for the original 12-valve versions with greater power produced by 24-valve versions of the car, which were later banned from the Group 4 rules. This being prior to the Audi Quattro, it was rear-drive and mid-engined, despite no conspicuous air intakes.
Footage Shows Classic Lancia's Being Put Through Their Paces
The footage of the car was shot at Cronoscalata Bergrennen and though not being period footage, it is still great at showcasing just what the Stratos was all about. The Dino V6 engine produces a spectacular sound and the car's agility is showcased beautifully through hairpins and tight corners, even on a snow stage. The cars are all stunning examples of the Stratos, including a bright blue version and potentially the best of the bunch, a Marlboro Lancia liveried beauty.
Some of these cars are well and truly being put through their paces as well, the drivers not holding back in showing what they can do. We recommend you turn the volume up for this. Despite being only a V6 engine, the sound the Stratos produces is unlike anything else on this planet.
Source: YouTube