1974 Lancia Stratos Group 4: Sliding The Rally Queen

Lots of people will tell you how they feel about a car, but if it’s Érik Comas you know he’s not parroting some review he read in a magazine once upon a waiting room. He’s raced Skylines for Nismo in Japan, 911s at Le Mans, and after taking up karting as a teenager he turned his talent into a path that got him to Formula 1. He’s raced touring cars, multiple formula series, and dabbled in some rallying for good measure, but of all the incredible machines Comas has driven in his day it’s the Stratos that earns the most emotions when he gets behind the wheel. It doesn’t hurt that this is garden variety Stradale version either, and after watching Erik slide his Group 4 rally car around on wet pavement it’s not hard to imagine why this racing driver says it handles “perfectly.”
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[@improcrastinating8063]

This man is an absolute legend of a human being. When racing in F1, he crashed during qualifying in Belgium and was unconscious in his car with the throttle pinned. Ayrton Senna drove past and upon hearing the engine screaming ran out of his car to shutoff Comas's engine, quite likely saving his life. The next year at Imola, Ayrton had his accident and Comas rushed to help but there was nothing he could do. He was so impacted by Ayrton's death that he retired at the end of the season. Truly, a great man.

[@michaelrigby396]

That is the story which really is more important than anything told as a recital of marques and models driven!

[@suhasdd]

oh didnt now he retired after that. both are legends.

[@andreasweber5638]

Finally a guy who’s not afraid to actually use his classic car the way it was designed : to go flat out

[@Redstoneprime316]

yeah, unlike those people who don't realise that the manufacturers actually put a working engine in them.

[@johngoodridge7815]

Some of the best skills seen on this fine channel.

[@AnzeTusar]

I watched him driving on rally thre years ago.. ..it was amazing, something that you cant forget.

[@TheHelensp]

Um, have you watched much Petrolicious?

[@Drquimbaymatumbo]

@Mr Calcium you have to be, to drive one in any conditions hard....

[@techiecreations]

It is just fantastic to see one of these driven and not kept forever under a cloth. This is my first time seeing a Stratos filmed with a modern camera and really driven.

[@apurugganan]

Modern indeed, *lanciastratos.com* on his suit even =]

[@georgem579]

I saw one once in australia and was surprised how small it was. And I spectated on a rally and it was the most spectacular rally car I'd ever seen, can't remember who was driving it.

[@lukastobler881]

Make Lancia great again

[@rickybanzai2199]

I'm afraid it won't happen until Lancia is owned by FCA. They sold a lot of awful thing with 4 wheels (don't call them cars) with Lancia badge because Fiat and FCA decided that Lancia was no more necessary. In Italy (and in all the world, off course) a lot of people thimk the same of you, but there is no hope. Lancia is not in the industrial plan.... By the way, the video is wonderful, as the Stratos deserves.

[@rvcasa]

Lukas Tobler they made a new Stratos w/ F430, (underpinnings/engine etc.) but Ferrari changed their mind and won't allow mass production... Only for a lucky few (millionaires)

[@rvcasa]

RickyBanzai when Lancia was winning big, they made decision there and then to kill it to save the Alfa Romeo brand instead ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHqqh6Kuiq1meLMm51s

[@goodial]

Ric Vieira The New Stratos was not a Lancia Project though, but some private guys in collaboration with Pininfarina. The currently unavoidable death of Lancia is one of the saddest things in recent automotive history imo, along with the downfall of Saab ...

[@rvcasa]

"unavoidable"? It was decided Lancia would be 'killed', right when they were at the top, winning rally after rally - to save the Alfa brand… kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHqqh6Kuiq1meLMm

[@mrjay42]

For the English-speaking audience: "La bête à gagner" means "The beast made to win" or "The winning beast"

[@hmm2928]

mrjay42 thanks , amazing car.

[@apexxxx10]

mrjay42 *”Au Volant La Vue C’est La Vie” Bangkok-Johnnie CarSanook*

[@monzadh]

agreed, finally real driver and not some Silcon valley hipster or a dude spending all of daddy's money...

[@karlInSanDiego]

Also the dog shift gearbox (not dogshit) == dogleg gearbox with 1st in lower left position, leaving the H pattern for driving, not pulling away.

[@ianholmquist8492]

@@karlInSanDiego not to be confused with a dog box

[@worldoftanks199]

That sound 😍😍

[@MarcS4R]

yeah man. fucking incredible 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@stevec7819]

yes

[@SheppiTSRodriguez]

omg! yes

[@f2detaboada]

Straight pipe open valve inline 4s are a beautiful thing

[@tucosalamanca171]

I was in my holiday apartment and was working last weekend, but outside there was this noise passing by every thirty minutes. I knew it had to be some special cars, sounding so loud and so old school. The fourth time i ran to the balcony, It was three stratos. Maaaan.... amazing cars.

[@Chuck59ish]

Erik comas has always been in my Top 10 as far as intelligent drivers go, and the Lancia Stratos is one of the most beautiful, functional race cars ever built.

[@roihesse9174]

The design of the Stratos is absolutely timeless and the sound gives me goosebumps.

[@theodoreiliaskos]

I miss the old crazy Lancia

[@Mastermind12358]

Don't you like the new Fiat/Chrysler rebadged Lancias?

[@theodoreiliaskos]

Mastermind12358 exactly...

[@troynov1965]

Mastermind12358 Comparing the new Lancia to the original is like comparing Led Zeppelin to a Led Zeppelin tribute band ......no contest.

[@goodial]

troynov1965 A Led Zeppelin tribute band at least tries to be like the original ... more like Led Zeppelin trying to do edm for a retirement home ...

[@w12ath040211]

Led Zeppelin? Did lancia steal it's design from someone else?

[@Secondheartbeat5]

Legendary car, Lancia created some of the most iconic racing car during 70's and 80's. I am proud of being italian.

[@erichakanson7010]

Awesome! When I saw today's video is a Stratos I immediately thought "today is going to be a good day." Besides 911 variants, it's one of the only cars truly worthy of not one but two Petrolicious videos! And for those of you who haven't seen the first, go watch it immediately after this one. Rally cars from the 70's and 80's won't ever be made like this again. This is a legendary rally car that will go down in history as one of the best. A car with presence, aura and an ungodly wail! Thanks Petrolicious! You've made my morning great already and it's only 7am!

[@marcryvon]

Look for Chris Harris on cars. He was invited a few years ago at a Pirelli press demonstration of new tyres for vintage rally cars. He ran shotgun with driving legends. Awesome video. He almost ruined his underwear...

[@TheLRider]

911? When did it ever win a WRC championship. Stratos won three.

[@alessandrocardona9991]

I'm from Biella, I recognize the car and some of those roads where the documentary is filmed! That's truly amazing, thank you!!

[@philipgiger3411]

@Alessandro Cardona, Cool!

[@ale.p.2118]

anche io sono di biella, bella

[@user-jr6ic3xm9y]

The Lancia Stratos is my ultimate dream car. I'm so envious of those lucky enough to be able to drive these beautiful high performance machines. This car sounds amazing and looks beautiful.

[@george32323]

Yep, Petrolicious you did it again.

[@fastnbulbouss]

Strange how things evolve during a lifetime. The Stratos has always had this strange look, to me anyway. But when I look at it today in this clip, well, it could have been designed last year. It's a beast of a car.

[@jeremyb4493]

The rear reminds me a bit of a lotus

[@TekAutomatica]

Only better than most cars designed last year! #addlightness #improveaero fight #vehicleobesity

[@martinflorian8269]

And we forget Erics life was saved by a legend, because he thought life was more important than racing..

[@jeannoelsandrazie1874]

If you design a car that does not follow current fashion or trend, it will never be dated.

[@the_earlybirf1170]

@@jeannoelsandrazie1874 when I first saw the Stratos I thought it was literally a space ship. Now that I'm older it looks like a wedge. Not just any wedge. A very refined beautiful and respected wedge.

[@TheAslakVind]

What a deep emoyional pleasure, to watch this video. I have been a fan of Mr Comas for many years, and seeing his deep love and understanding of the Stratos, even having a deep chair besides her. Sitting admiring her every day, when he is not driving her like she should be driving. Pleasure!

[@ericfan1223]

The value of all Lancia's are skyrocketing, such amazing cars

[@-ZIO]

Lancia was my second dream when I was a small boy in Italy. The Countach was the auto that keep me awake at night. The Lancia was what I day dream to drive in the hills of Nocelle and Pompeii

[@C345OFR]

This might well be your best video yet. Absolutely superb, from the squirming at the beginning, to the backfire at the end. Chapeau, Petrolicious!

[@thomasurquhart507]

I totally agree. This is so wonderfully done..

[@TinLeadHammer]

Even without drone shots.

[@ShinyRacer22]

Just watched this with headphones on, the backfire at the end had me grinning ear to ear

[@MicheleGardini]

There were and there will be faster rally cars, with a longest list of victories too, but I don't think anything could ever be better in look. It's a piece of art on 4 wheels.

[@mikeellisonhimself]

@Luca Duca Sadly it never won the RAC - no pace notes back then which really didn't suit it.

[@madhavsharma5458]

Thank you Petrolicious and thank you Erik Comas. This was absolutely amazing.

[@gearoid21]

An absolutely mint stratos,with THAT stratos noise,being thrown around by an ice cold french race driver,well done you guys,well done

[@pedrospain571]

When you see it in the flesh it is just beyond belief how beautiful.

[@davidmulligan42]

Just incredible. You can tell he has that car set up to perfection.

[@dutchdettweiler]

The sounds this car makes, the way it whips around. This car is delicious

[@DoodlezMusic]

I've caught myself forgetting to breath multiple times throughout this video. The Stratos will always be an iconic name to me.

[@seantuhakaraina2907]

I feel like i need to go and buy a Zenith wristwatch, just to justify this amazing free content. The production values, the cars, the sound 😍😍😍

[@MohammadMorassafar]

finally a video just about the car and not a about a death of the parents or somthing like that.... plz more like this video.

[@edgeyt1]

Who on earth could dislike this video? There's some weird people around. A perfect car and a perfect gentleman driving it.

[@SnakeyUk08]

You just know its gonna be a good video when the first thing you say is oooohh and then proceed to turn the volume up :) ,what a machine! and great piece of rally history.

[@Gravy_Master]

Lancia and Petrolicious? Hell yes.

[@carportchronicles1943]

I was 9 years old in 1976, when I saw a 1/24 scale diecast of a Stratos rally car at JC Penny's of things. All I knew at the time was that it was a really cool looking race car. Over the years I've learned more about them, and if I ever win Power Ball it's on my short list of stuff I'm blowing the money on.

[@msibanker]

This is "living-legenary".....The Car, The Driver.....to see this, brings back so much memories....Thank you so much....

[@federicocaste1]

Orgoglio italiano, la regina, la più bella.

[@claude196]

Ich war 12,Schüler und auf dem Weg zum Busbahnhof,dort habe ich den ersten echten Sportwagen meines Lebens gesehen. Ein feuerroter Lancia Stratos,parkte direkt vor dem Bahnübergang. Das war im Winter `78,ich habe trotz vieler Ereignisse die wichtiger gewesen wären ,diesen Moment nie vergessen..

[@sirlillo2734]

70' were pure madness ❤️

[@ildizastro]

Thank you Erik Comas, Thank You Zenith, Thank You Afshin and The entire Petrolicious Team. Just Thank You for all the wonderful emotions I get with these videos.

[@wheelspinmanager]

What a legend driving a car like that in that pace it's unbelievable

[@Pulsonar]

OMG he's really going for it, sliding that legendary (and priceless) machine around like hes doing a stage at the WRC, superb!

[@betterpreparedness5167]

Well done Petrolicious. One of my favourite cars and fun to see Erik Comas present it. He was a solid driver for the Ligier and Larrousse underdog F1 teams.

[@michaelbonade4667]

I still marvel and adore the love that other countries have for Italian cars....from the Japanese to the British to the ...French.... Cross Cultural appreciation is ancient and universal....This just makes me even more proud to have Italian blood in my veins

[@franciscoafonso4726]

Asks girlfriend if it's ok to get emotional over a car video. She says yes. * Wipes tear away *

[@GTE_Channel]

Since when is porn allowed on KZbin 🙄 more please!

[@ANDREWSAMY562]

Reported for sexual content

[@simiyuwasilwavictor4956]

This is probably the most beautiful rally ever made. I remember Sandro Munari driving one in the Safari Rally in Kenya where I am from

[@jordiperez2519]

What an HONOR, driven by Erik Comas ........ pure visual gold

[@andre-77]

Che capolavoro! Che opera d’arte! ❤️🇮🇹 grazie Lancia ❤️ e ovviamente video girato sulle mie strade! Che spettacolo!

[@danielthoma2907]

One of the eternal, immortal icons of motorsports and car design (holistically speaking, not just looks - but damn it's got the looks as well).

[@tonmanify]

Back in the day, Erik was the benchmark in F3000 and it's great to see that he's still pushing on and enjoying the limits of this wonderful little car. Nice piece!

[@MindDezign]

This guy fits this car like a glove and hand. This guy ,is THE driver for Stratos. His soul fits this car. GREAT !

[@rallyautoitaliane2471]

Lancia Stratos: senza dubbio la Regina dei Rally!

[@trefod]

The french are NUTS! Every petrolicious video featuring a french person, has them driving the snot out of their cars. I love these crazy people.

[@MrThatnativeguy]

I remember seeing one of these in the flesh, it was in the bright blue colour parked in an inconspicous industrial area here in Vancouver Canada, at the time i only knew the car from playing the Forza Motorsport games, stunning looking little car.

[@Sean-mr3vb]

If you turn on captions the opening scene with just the engine comes up as [music].

[@LNVACVAC]

KZbin thinks it is a trombone or other windpipe instrument. It became a thing because of Hans Zimmer approach to his movie scores in the last 2 decades, which many blackbuster movie composers emulated forced by the studios.

[@Dethmeister]

Closed captioning says that his earliest memory of a car as a child was a 1967 "mattress poor five-30". Ok, found it, Matra Sports 530. Cool car.

[@joseandrade1625]

Uma das mais belas criações da humanidade! Obrigado! Abraço de Portugal.

[@broti]

it´s great to see that this car is driven properly & professionaly

[@abbsgarage.9676]

Congratulations to you mr. Comas because I got a mace buy this car I actually came to understanding of these rally car from your perspective to the fact that this is a beautiful machine and it's got all the attributes of a rally car and yet can be driven on a daily basis if so that's the case and get some misunderstood car to the fact of the lack of information about it and the popularity that other cars have yet it is it will be one of the greatest rally cars ever made thanks petrolicious for bringing us this kind of videos I really enjoy them they are truly a work of art keep the good work whatever you go cheers

[@truthseeker2587]

Finally! The legendary Lancia Stratos and Eric on Petrolicious!

[@paulelverstone8677]

This car does not age. It looks as good today as it ever did. It shouldn't - no other car really pulls this trick off. On side profile, it appears to be too short but that is because of the high bodyline. It is actually beautifully proportioned. There are design cues that you simply don't see. The wraparound roof spoiler. The way the wheelarches at the front, spill over to impact upon the shape of the wing and bonnet. That is glorious. It is a flawed pocket supercar but maybe that is what makes it so wonderful. Imperfectly perfect. It is one of my favourite car designs of all time...

[@goodshipkaraboudjan]

The first few seconds I thought "wow and he can drive it bloody well" then saw it was Erik Comas. Incredible, thank you Petrolicious!

[@Retrobeemer]

Another iconic car and an owner/driver who’s passion is clear. Such a beautiful sound from that V6 too!

[@tomatos9445]

wow did not know that, That six sounds so sick.

[@rvcasa]

Tom Atos Ferrari Dino's V6...

[@NK-dl2nc]

The Stratos always stirs emotion in me. If there is one car I need to drive before I die it is the Stratos!

[@Spitsz01]

The Lancia Stratos and the Ford GT are still the two most beautiful cars ever built in my opinion.

[@fubene5495]

Add the Lambo Miura and you complete the podium.

[@pt5470]

What about the Fiat Panda?

[@thorandmoljnir]

The Miura is the second most gorgeous. But to me I've always liked the look of the Shelby A/C Cobra. Just a stunning, classic design!

[@fubene5495]

Fiat Panda? I fuking love the old Fiat Panda Sisley 4x4!!!! And yes, the AC Cobra is another top 5 car in my list ^^

[@Dethmeister]

Yep, Lancia Stratos, Ford GT, Lambo Miura, Shelby A/C Cobra and another that is probably not as popular but that I love is the De Tomaso Pantera.

[@j.r.braman2264]

This car and the Lamborghini Miura were child hood favorites

[@j.r.braman2264]

Very much enjoyed the video

[@Fenden100]

This car, this sound, this video..... Thank you very much !!!!!! Lancia per sempre !!!!

[@maudit00]

We want all that on board footage uniterrupted! From start to finish

[@Mr.Wolf_947]

I am proud to have met Materazzi engineer live, not only because I love all the cars he created, but also because of his personality! Such a founder such a car! ;)

[@michaelball7440]

Bravo! This is the video that sets the standard that all videos yet to come will have to try to beat - or even equal. Well done and thank you.

[@DadDanPredator]

The Essence of rally born with this!!

[@seventhSabra]

I love the shot with snow on the ground, Alps in the distance, and a palm tree.

[@weeyum99]

"ehhh the V6 Ferrari on the shoulders is really doing LOVELY music all the time" what a way to put that hahaha

[@delphys75]

Merveilleuse auto, à tous niveaux, superbe vidéo, grand pilote... Extra ! Un bon moment, merci beaucoup !

[@taigaaisaka2092]

I saw this precise Stratos race at Rallylegend and Historic Sanremo Rally. Masterpiece of the masterpieces.

[@Quokka1832]

Thank you, Petrolicious. Thank you so much- for this video and every video before this.

[@SohilSahare009]

Petrolicious makes the best love stories come alive! Thanks!

[@missinglink9973]

always loved the look of the Stratos!!! I had a model of one when I was a kid. Beautiful.!!

[@CalVlogz]

“I will defeat you Ricki Bobby”

[@jonlocke5365]

😂👍

[@iankyn]

Help me God help me alla I'm on fire

[@SwankeyMonkey]

Don't you put that on me Ricky Bobby!

[@Alexakamathieu]

Damn jean girard

[@freedumbsquirts4809]

My day wasn't going well until this comment.

[@ChrisHaye]

Wonderful video. I'd happily watch a full-length documentary hosted by Erik!

[@daveangel7807]

Well that has just made my day! Thank you again for a great film.

[@ultrablue2]

What a stunning shape.

[@TheLRider]

Definitely my favourite car of all time and I am so so pleased that it's an out and out rally car. No poncy posers car or an overhyped "super car" peddled about by stupid TV presenters. The Stratos is just stunning. Did Henry Toivonen ever compete in the Stratos? I was a huge fan of his ofcourse in the S3.

[@jptanguero]

Aaaaaahhhh Superb! I have always loved Lancia and in particular the Stratos... Thank you for this, so much!

[@niwouackermann8517]

One of the best Petrolicious videos to date. Love it!

[@therealjamespickering]

This is my favourite car in the whole world! What a beautiful piece of machinery.

[@Rengelshausen]

I have to say it again and again… I love this channel! Superb content…

[@jimworthington449]

Magnificent. Thank you for sharing your story and this glorious car.

[@vishnudahatonde]

The sound..... And the looks. Wow....!!

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

One of my all time favourite cars, simply a stunning design, with one purpose in mind.... I just love them

[@larsen1974]

Magnificent... this sound, this engine... whoa!

[@DriversSide]

Probably the most iconic rally car of all time

[@kenjiarimura4522]

All the videos are very poetic. Its fantastic! Thank you

[@SapienHunter]

Unbelievably beautiful..... Nothing comes close. A childhood dream.

[@PaulinhoThompson]

What a beautiful film and car, thank you.

[@TucsonDude]

Watches and cars...the ultimate engineer's dream. I need to buy my first Zenith. It's the only watch with the 36,000 bph and their Defy model is unreal. BTW...awesome car!

[@pummyy]

This video is filled with Love and Passion !!

[@antoniosilva-yp9vg]

one of the most beautiful cars ever made, and more than this one of the best.

[@alexspartan3842]

that sound...i have no worlds to describe the love i feel to this rally car... *-*

[@Erchitu82]

Pure poetry. Thank you. Lancia forever.

[@user-td9dy7pj1k]

Я не силён а английском, но посыл в целом ясен. Больше всего понравилось, что на ней хозяин ездит по ее предназначению, а не маринует под чехлом в коллекции. Comas thank you!

[@crsantin]

I've never been into rallying but this is a very enjoyable video. Great opening shot. What a great car.