1981 Lancia 037 Stradale

If you’re of a rallying persuasion and looking for the next vehicle to add to your classic car collection, look no further than this stunning 1981 Lancia 037 Stradale which is going under the hammer with RM Sotheby’s. This spectacular steed from the 80s certainly won’t come cheap and has a guide price between €420,000 – €520,000 so be prepared to dig deep if you want to add this speed demon to your line up.

This 1981 Lancia 037 Stradale from RM Sotheby’s is the 14th of just 207 examples built, which goes a long way to explaining its lofty price tag – as does the remarkable condition it is presented in. It has less than 20,000km on the clock and some of the recent mechanical restorations include a complete engine rebuild and new fuel tanks. This beautiful looking machine retains its original factory-appointed paint and interior for that added touch of authenticity.

Awesome 80s Vibes

It’s not just the amazing old school cool vibes that this 1981 Lancia 037 Stradale has that sets it apart from the competition, it is also the last rear-wheel-drive vehicle to win the World Rally Championship, which it achieved by capturing the Group B Manufacturer’s Championship in 1983. Its design is loosely based on the Lancia Montecarlo, the race car was developed in collaboration with Abarth, Dallara, and Pininfarina.

The 1981 Lancia 037 Stradale going under the hammer with RM Sotheby’s (€420k-520k) has had minimal usage and a recent mechanical restoration has been carried out to very high standards. While the Lancia’s early history is currently unknown, by the mid-1990s it was owned by Georges Frey of Zürich, as clarified by a Swiss registration and, considering its age, it is in fantastic condition and will be a worthy addition to any collector’s line up.

More recently acquired by the consignor, a Brussels-based collector, the 037 was treated to a substantial mechanical refurbishment which included the fitting of new fuel tanks and a comprehensive rebuilding of the engine, gearbox, clutch, suspension, and brakes, among other components. This ensures that it will perform admirably to this day and will blow you away with its speed and handling out on the open road (if you dare drive a vehicle this expensive on open roads).

Classic Interior

Keeping its original factory paint and interior upholstery, this wonderfully well restored 037 Lancia from RM Sotheby’s currently displays less than 20,000 km of use and is perfectly suited for vintage rallying events or presentation at concours d’elegance. It would make a unparalleled addition to any collection, and is particularly appropriate for Lancia enthusiasts or Group B aficionados.

Though the price tag, which is likely to exceed half a million euros by the time the hammer goes down, is pretty prohibitive, it’s hard not to be won over by the impeccable beauty of this 1981 Lancia and for anyone with a love of classic rallying cars, this is somewhat of a holy grail and excitement is already high surrounding this RM Sotheby’s lot.