One to Buy: 4700km 1983 Lancia 037 Rally Stradale
As a consequence of its purebred nature, rear-drive layout and supercharged rather than turbocharged engine, the Lancia Rally provides arguably the best driving experience of all the Group B homologation specials that emerged between 1982 and ‘86.
The Abarth-developed car (internally dubbed SE 037) also ranks among the most handsome with its Lancia Montecarlo-derived Pininfarina styling having eschewed the kind of cartoon-ish awkwardness that threw many later designs somewhat out of balance.
Most importantly though, as far as Lancia were concerned, the 037 Rally did the business where it mattered most: in the heat of competition. Most significantly, Lancia won the 1983 World Manufacturers’ title and 037 drivers took three straight European titles in 1983, ‘84 and ‘85.
Today, the batch of just over 200 037s required for Group B homologation remain among the most highly prized exotics of their era with most tucked away for the long term in significant collections around the globe.
However, one of these rarely seen beasts has just popped onto the market at the Shinoda Automobile showroom in Tokyo.
First registered in 1983, this seemingly immaculate example was supplied without the dramatic rear spoiler fitted to some examples and has covered a remarkable 4700km from new. Like all the 037 road cars manufactured between late 1981 and early 1982, it was configured in red paint with black fabric upholstery inlaid with red seat pinstripes.
Reprinted below is Shinoda Automobile’s description:
Year: 1983 Model
Exterior color: Red
Interior color: Black
Mileage: 4700km
