Homologation Specials: 1974 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale

Lancia’s motorsport legacy spans many decades and disciplines, but the Italian marque earned its most consistent and most significant victories in the World Rally Championship (WRC). As far removed from a one-trick pony as possible, Lancia won 10 WRC constructor titles between the 1974 and 1992 season with three very different cars (four if you count the precursor championship to the WRC, which Lancia won with the Fulvia), but the extraterrestrial, wildly successful Stratos was the company’s only completely purpose-built machine.
The Stratos had a dominant reign in the WRC that continued well beyond the lifespan of a typical competition car (besides winning a hat trick of WRC constructor titles for the factory team between 1974 and 1976, privateers ensured that the Stratos continued to win rally stages and events into the early 1980s), but its place in Lancia’s history isn’t based solely on its trophy-taking abilities.
The Stratos was a special project that combined the then-burgeoning dynasty of Lancia rallying, the paradigm shifting and era-defining design of Bertone’s Marcello Gandini, and to make the story even more of an Italian all-star team, its horsepower came courtesy of a certain prancing one: Ferrari. Powered by the Dino’s V6, the Stratos was not just a Lancia success story, but an Italian one. The car evolved beyond the rally stage to take on the Group 5 competition during the silhouette era, and the street legal version has remained one of the wildest machines to ever wear a license plate. In this week’s film we join Sam Hancock in one such Stradale model as he gives it some proper exercise on a suitably dreamy stretch of coastal mountain road.
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[@Ficon]

Thank you for not drowning out engine noise with music

[@vaggelisgian]

That must have been really hard, giving that the noise of that Ferrari/Dino V6 qualifies as music.

[@dmn23]

Glorious. I saw two of these at a Ferrari owners meeting in Luxembourg in '83. Both were yellow and they looked like they'd just arrived from Mars. 40 years later and it's still a startling design.

[@Surestick88]

Issimi did a KZbin video on the Stratos where there are some shots of it driving through traffic in Monaco. It still looks like it's from the future among modern crossovers.

[@tommclain3335]

I need 10 minutes of raw footage in the twisties uploaded soon

[@dondominic7404]

Like the one Petrolicious did with Ferrari 250 GTO.

[@lanista78]

Remember how I saw one on the road while driving in the mountains behind Nizza, was almost crashing while looking at it! Such an artwork!

[@georgiarsenov6442]

When the world was real, cars were no exception. So much purity.

[@eljensen671]

These things are so small. The first time i saw one i was shocked by how tiny they are. Seriously there's more room in a space capsule.

[@figglo6007]

Funny thing is you are most likely actually correct about that lmao.

[@NS-ur5ss]

One major difference pal the space capsule was fake this tiny thing is real.

[@surblows]

@@NS-ur5ss Even though I don't agree, the way you said that was hilarious lmao

[@NicolasChiribelo]

This car is the king of rallying, no doubt. And one of the greatest cars ever made. It was made with the sole purpose of winning on Sundays, not selling road cars on Monday. Nothing against that, of course, but it's wonderful when people (engineers, mechanics, drivers and codrivers in this case) are fully commited into motorsports without a board of suits above them expecting big financial return. Something we are dearly missing in these overly-pragmatic current times.

[@thesunreport]

Something I thought when watching this, and seeing the Bertone badges, was that it seemed like a big brother to Fiat's X1/9, which was maybe the 'everymans' version of the Stratos. They certainly seem to share some major elements to me, and probably are based on the same earlier concepts maybe?

[@jakekaywell5972]

@@thesunreport In fact, the FIAT X1/9 came out a full model year ahead of Lancia's Stratos. It would be more accurate to say that the FIAT is the older brother of the Lancia.

[@jakekaywell5972]

I agree that the Stratos is fully deserving of it's iconic status but disagree about the "fully committed to motorsports without a board of suits above them" thing. One of the key aspects in producing almost every car on the planet is cost. This effects everything: the mechanical components, the tooling used, the styling, etc. Cost can make a car even more alluring. For instance, my 1962 Studebaker GT Hawk is a beautifully compromised amalgamation of new and old styling and engineering choices because its design had to be made in record time and for reportedly less money than it cost Plymouth to design a new door handle (I'm serious about that last bit. That's what the chief designer of the GT Hawk (Brooks Stevens) actually said in an interview)).

[@thesunreport]

@@jakekaywell5972 That's interesting. Yes I meant 'big brother' in terms of power and performance. :)

[@jakekaywell5972]

@@thesunreport Gotcha. From what I understand, the wedge design was long sought after by car designers and enthusiasts since before the 1970s, but FIAT was the first to make such a design viable for mass production with the X1/9. Proves the old adage of money not being everything.

[@ralphharrison6622]

i live in america, and have dreamed of this car since i was a kid in the 80s. to this day, it brings tears to my eyes at how glorious it is. i want nothing else than to drive this car one time.

[@johntechwriter]

Two no-nos for every car presenter: hyperbolic delivery and wearing sunglasses on cam. This guy delivers on both counts.

[@ericnativel4604]

The best ... and most desirable sports and rallye car ever!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@robertos4172]

For me this is the one car above all others. There are many wonderful cars I would have if resources permitted, but if I could have only one, this is it. Seeing one is a torment, inducing almost boundless lust. I love this car.

[@diegofrancescocalvisi6935]

Me too!

[@johnsalley1081]

The sounds produced by the shrieking Dino V6 are orgasmic; only perhaps matched by the vision of a Stratos in a glorious power slide!

[@EleanorPeterson]

Three of the most easily identifiable rally engine sounds when standing spectating in a rainswept forest at midnight: the Audi Quattro; the Metro 6R4; and the glorious, bellowing, shrieking Lancia Stratos. :-)

[@ghost21501]

By far the most difficult car to control in Dirt Rally.

[@DiecastTz]

IKR mannnn especially when you're on a long straight and you kind have to keep it on the centre lol

[@stanisawolesinski6399]

it's difficult, but for me the most difficult is Audi Quattro

[@alechall7082]

Dirt rally 2.0, monte carlo. Do it if you have a setup, you wont regret it.

[@kikowner]

Oh but when you do get the hang of it it's indescribable. This and the 037

[@SladeDHJ]

Lancia 037 is a nightmare, the worst for me

[@christianwestling2019]

Driving a Stratos on the corniches is peak quality of life.

[@mort6913]

That engine sound is smile inducing!

[@stevespencer9001]

Just imagine driving that car!! Now just imagine driving it with an electric motor in place of that incredible sounding V6 engine!! No neither can I 😞

[@Monkey80llx]

I can!...it would go like a Scalextric car!

[@ragnarragnarsson3128]

Agreed electric propulsion holds no romance for me...

[@stoneylonesome4062]

I don’t even own one of those, and if I ever hear of anyone taking an original and turning it electric, I would hunt them down and cut their god damn head off. Now if it’s a replica, that’s a different story. But somethings, as impractical and polluting as they are, are just to beautiful to fuck with.

[@sheldonaubut]

I fell in love with this car in '71/'72 when I first saw photos of it in my car magazines. And over all these years my lust for this car has never waned. Thank you Petrolicious for this opportunity to view another example of one of the most incredible cars ever imagined.

[@paulkrapp]

One of my all time favorite cars! I owned a Fiat X1/9 that actually shared some parts with the mid 70's Stratos and Ferrari 308. The Fiat only had 1/3rd of the HP, but handled very similarly. 👍😎

[@gluca069just___it9]

Beautiful video, thanks! 👍 The Stratos is the car that Sandro Munari, il Drago, asked for winning in the world rally champion, that back then it was awarded to Constructors only. The history behind this car is as amazing as its look and sound. It is a masterpiece created by an incredible team: Fiorio, the deus ex-machina of this project, Munari, the fastet pilot of that era, Materazzi and Limone, two legendary engineers and Gandini who designed its gorgeous shape. For that era it was an audacious project, today daring so much in designing a car it is simply unthinkable. Chapeau Lancia!

[@ImpManiac]

What a car! And THAT sound! ❤ IM 😎

[@missinglink9973]

Im 51 and this car is one of my all time favorites fell in love with it the first time I ever saw it!!!

[@420Ard]

I have seen Stratosses live in historic rally events and they were always the stars of the event. The engine sound is one of a kind, especially among rally cars. In the valleys in Germany you could hear them coming minutes before they actually passed by. And of course they look like nothing else too!

[@ronnycastro4679]

I like this car since I played in a time trial in gran turismo 4 in the circuit of Costa Di Amalfi

[@kenxiong6830]

By far still the best car guy show!!! Always showing awesome beautiful machines

[@papa_pt]

actually driving the thing like it should good stuff!

[@sadwingsraging3044]

In my ultimate top five favorite car garage there would be one of these in a bay for sure.

[@kramnam4716]

Well done finding one! Thanks ♥️

[@carlswenson5403]

my favorite car of all time, 2nd is the ruf ctr yellowbird. today is a good day for y.t.

[@MyGorilla1]

From France with love ✌🏼🇨🇵😎

[@groupb5420]

£500k today 😳 , great sounding car 👌😎

[@gooddaysgames_1252]

Beautiful, inspiring, enlightening, flippin gorgeous!

[@SammeLagom]

I would love to own one of these toy looking cars! What a little beast!

[@alechall7082]

Beautiful. Well done.

[@MotorStorm]

This was filmed in the south of France btw, amazing roads

[@TheTriwheels]

Yes, "la corniche" Nationale 7 exit Monaco direction la turbie.....

[@jakekaywell5972]

An Alpine A110 would be more suitable for that part of the world I suspect.

[@SelectedCarGroup]

A milestone in the genre of homologations specials.

[@vyshus7629]

This is the most beautiful car I’ve ever seen.

[@enriquerrs]

That engine sound uff 👌

[@sadubone]

getting better. lovely car.

[@markkulepisto1159]

When I saw Stratos + Petrolicious - I did my personal best of 'click that'

[@Mainsail333]

Great Car, glad to see Sam has toned down his theatrics and emulated Alain de Cadenet

[@stephen-john1677]

Thank you for making this exactly like car talk.

[@ezioalsino8092]

Unica inimitabile !!!

[@Jonoponomono]

Excellent review of a legend.

[@rayseaman6204]

I like this Lancia, but I could NOT put up with that driving position ! I'm glad someone is driving and using this car as it should be used ! Cheers !

[@Stevieboy130664]

Rear wheels look a little too wide. Sounds glorious. First saw one of these in the flesh winning the Donegal International Rally in 1977 driven by Billy Coleman. And yes, they are tiny.

[@jasonread3920]

fantastic bella

[@nigolt.4345]

Italian Passion can't be beat!!!!

[@jakekaywell5972]

In your opinion. I prefer English and American iron myself. Even Soviet cars are more appealing to me.

[@c3dk]

Super nice car, thanks for the upload !!!

[@jamesstaggs4160]

The classic wedge design just embodies sports/race car.

[@en.gine.st.art7]

Imbattibile, da sempre

[@andresguerin7162]

When you see all Lancia built thru the years and now lives only thanks to the Ypsilon is Incomprehensible!!

[@Trance723]

That was exhilarating!!! The way she screamssss

[@hamzehalshahwan5250]

Who tf is this guy, petrolious bring back the car owners special narrative

[@michaelhoffmann7687]

I was thinking the same thing. Dude is getting on my nerves.

[@lucas72522]

Can’t believe Petrolicious made such an error of getting this scripted clips... too much talking... is this guy a former racing driver like Mr. Cadenet?

[@C345OFR]

I'd say "There's always one!" but you've got 6 thumbs up and 2 replies (at time of writing). Deary me.

[@jakekaywell5972]

Totally. The owner aspect is what made Petrolicious special. It's now become just a face in the crowd.

[@airacomet]

Gorgeous car for a gorgeous road

[@gmsresinarodelcorso560]

Italia Number One.

[@Vincenzo-wn1or]

One of the greatest of all sports cars .. and that you can take off road! It's a wonder in today's SUV dominated market it hasn't been reissued or copied as a formula.

[@jakekaywell5972]

Now imagine if some insane customizer took the underpinnings and driveline from an AMC Eagle SX/4 and meshed it with the body and interior of a Lancia Stratos (probably reproduction, given their rarity). It would be great!

[@kramnam4716]

This and 6r4 metro .. best sounding rally cars ever

[@KSL12]

always liked those.

[@panagiotisgiannoulis9670]

nice work

[@klasseact6663]

Thank you for coming back as the channel we first loved❗❗

[@Simey2wheels]

Oh wow, that Dino V6!

[@pauldavies8638]

Very nice

[@fastcargtv6]

Fun fact that Lancia only produced 493 as FIA has changed the homologation rule from 500 to 400 units over 12 months in late 1973, so Lancia stopped the production immediately as they already fulfilled the required minimum. The first cars were already running on the events over the 1973 season without taking part in the championship as they haven't been homologated yet.

[@AlreadyDeadInside83079]

I love it! The STANCE...and the sound of that Dino...ugh... The louvered hood(I'm sure it serves a purpose) is the only part I wish wasn't there. At least I wish there was more hood real estate and fewer louvers. The spoiler would look better matching the paint too, but I wouldn't change either and ruin the character of it. I'll bet it's a BLAST to drive.

[@1983dmd]

Please bring back Alain de Cadenet...asap

[@BaruKz]

This car brings up the Golden Era To Lancia, one most iconic models ever built Bertone clearly showed his influence from lamborghini. It was so good that ferrari didn't like at all for being so competitive, rewriting the history in the second generation for not agreeing at all with it's production because Ferrari knew that is was better than F430 which took almost 8 years to finally have a tribute to this Masterpiece.

[@user-lj5ri3gp5o]

...why can't modern sports cars (not "sport" sedans) sound like this from the factory? Miss my mid-70's Lancia Montecarlo... first car I bought (was in high school) it was for sure no diamond, but that sound when driving thru the hills... even the local police never stopped me. They just smiled and waved.

[@VL1975]

Why is he yelling!??? LOL Beautiful car!

[@thetumanshow]

So badass

[@jareknowak8712]

In the past, in Poland, we had a polish car called "StratoPolonez". Whole car was based on damaged in an accident Stratos, but it had different body. Only one was ever build, used only in sport. Google: Stratopolonez

[@studiocalder818]

Grazie, interesting indeed, I didn't know it

[@kroeff_san]

My favorite car in Forza ❤️

[@PCarDriver87]

I want one so bad 😢

[@Fpvpilot928]

Such a tiny car that they couldn't fit a camera inside the car with him, lol. jk. Love these Homologation Special videos!

[@tecnoaddicted]

i know the owner a stunning person. !

[@guilhermemuquem2466]

We want a raw footage with this machine !

[@siuchumug]

Please stop shouting. Otherwise a great video.

[@keyop1970]

@Top Cat Or maybe, just maybe, it's a bit loud in that cockpit.

[@C345OFR]

@Top Cat It's how I used to speak after standing next to nightclub speakers, lol. Maybe someone on the production team should have told him but otherwise, completely understandable.

[@garrettlowell7637]

Nothing worse than being nagged by a stranger.

[@lorismaglio273]

I did an import/export job with this beauty on GTA Online like 2 hours ago lol

[@devilgames2217]

We will have this in the podium soon. Check Mors Mutual on KZbin, he's shown what cars are coming and it's been bang on so far. Gonna win it and paint it like this one. 😁

[@lorismaglio273]

@@devilgames2217 SO COOL!

[@gigitgit8210]

Lancia.(LanCHA),LanSia(in italian is anxiety)

[@jakekaywell5972]

LanSIA would be more appropriate given my limited experience with these things.

[@fjahnhogler]

For once no comments about “the old videos” or Hancock. Finally!

[@Jubie82]

Wrong use of the word instantaneously.

[@roihesse9174]

One of the hottest cars ever. And even more perfect in combination with Walter Röhrl. Although, Walter was also unbeatable in the Audi Quattro at Pikes Peak

[@richardvandervoort]

My dreamcar but unfortunately I can't get into it. Lovely colour btw

[@REIGNXS1]

Doesn't hold up to your "Rally Queen" presentation but it's still a "Stratos".

[@dragonfastback5440]

Great vid but... 1:52 did your editor leave 20 secs of the explanation on the cutting room floor?

[@maxxedredlineproductions]

Why, why Lancia. Why do you not make cool cars anymore? :,(

[@odl21]

They make the Ypsilon!

[@rileyberkowitz]

They don't have any money 😞

[@marcop1587]

My friend's neighbor has a yellow one...lucky bastard 😅

[@wHAmEz]

Bear Grills is that you?

[@s13n1]

These videos need an option to mute him. Halted yelling isn't good listening.

[@joevanseeters2873]

Can anyone reading tell me what model SUNGLASSES the commentator/driver is wearing in this video? I'd like to get a pair of those. Thanks all. That Lancia Stratos is absolutely incredible. Even to this very day it still looks and sounds glorious.

[@joevanseeters2873]

The Triumph TR7 DEFINITELY took a lot of it's design cues from this very machine. There is absolutely NO DOUBT.

[@marcscordato4385]

I wonderful company with a glorious history . Sadly fiat is letting it die on the vine . Would love a good come back .

[@Jpampyn]

The car is amazing but I don´t understand the car shots with trees in the middle 😅 or with the grass... I think another camera on the cockpit while driving would have been great. But with all great video

[@user-ki3zr9pl3g]

ストラトスが一番好きだ！

[@Radioclash971]

which song it is you reckon ?

[@peggygeren4169]

It is not a space frame chassis. It's unibody with tube reinforcement.

[@Vincenzo-wn1or]

All these stories of Enzo's small willy insecurities keep coming out!

[@dfend451]

They committed the ultimate sin. Not once did they mention Maestro Marcelo Gandini, designer of the Stratos. Gandini's first sketches of the body were actually done on wood.

[@Avetarx]

For me it's always been either Countach or Stratos.

[@jareknowak8712]

It would be even more fun with AutoDelta 3,7L V6 330hp N/A Busso.

[@icsunonova]

better put a 3.9 oktech engine in it

[@trapmav]

Once again .Love the videos, but please get another presenter or another screen writer please!!!! This videos are lacking passion feeling. This feels more like top gear then a classic car channel. Thank you for your effort , i know that this takes time money to do.

[@evanneiswanger]

This guy thinks shouting lyrical words emulates passion

[@lascm5237]

Totally agree - this sort of presentation has lost the intimacy and ethereal style of the early ones.

[@BigMacRC8]

Dreams Car