1975 Lancia

•Sold new as a roadgoing Stradale model

•Fully converted to Group 4 specification

•2.4-litre Dino V6 engine with Group 4 cylinder heads

•Fitted with roll cage, Recaro seats and OMP harnesses

•Fresh set of HTP papers

For many enthusiasts, the Lancia Stratos is one of the definitive ‘poster cars’ of the 1970s, offering not only a striking blend of Bertone styling and Ferrari’s sonorous V6 engine, but also a long history of motorsport success.

The car being offered for sale here is chassis number 001951. Its factory Certificato di Origine shows that it was sold new in September 1975 to Germany as a Stradale model, and was finished in Rosso Stratos with Pelle Nera interior.

The Stratos has subsequently been converted to full Group 4 specification, with painstaking attention to detail. The Group 4 body panels were created using the original tooling in Italy, while the suspension is fully Rose-joined. There are also Bilstein dampers all round with ride-height adjustment, plus an Eibach adjustable anti-roll bar front and rear.

The front suspension features strengthened lower arms and Group 4-spec track-control arms, while at the rear there are alloy hub carriers, plus strengthened lower wishbones and radius arms.

A Group 4 high-ratio steering rack has been installed with 2.5 turns lock to lock, while the braking system includes four-piston calipers and dual Girling master cylinders with adjustable bias. The five-speed dog ’box is also to full Group 4 specification, and the 15in Campagnolo-style magnesium wheels have been fitted with Pirelli tyres.

The 2.4-litre Dino V6 engine features ported and gas-flowed Group 4 heads with 45mm inlet valves and 39mm exhaust valves. High-compression pistons have been installed, along with an Arrow steel crankshaft and con-rods. It breathes through a trio of Weber 44 IDF carburettors and has a Group 4 air filter and box. There’s also a lightened flywheel, baffled sump and a six-into-one exhaust manifold.

Inside, there’s an integral roll cage, Recaro seats, OMP harnesses, a Lifeline fire extinguisher and analogue rally clocks.

Not only is this Lancia Stratos superbly finished throughout, with a huge specification, it is truly spectacular to drive and boasts a soundtrack that evokes the glory days of 1970s rallying. It would certainly be a crowd-pleasing addition to any event for which it was entered.