Following the unveiling of Bertone’s Stratos Zero concept car at the 1970 Turin Motor Show, Lancia public relations director Sandro Fiorio and his son Cesare, Lancia’s rally team chief, were intrigued by the potential of how the design might be translated into an effective competition model. The Fiorios soon approached Lancia managing director Ugo Gobbato to propose a Bertone-bodied car based on the Stratos Zero concept. The former Ferrari chief approved the project on the condition that it would be powered by a Ferrari Dino V-6 engine mated to a five-speed manual transaxle, to lower production costs. At the 1971 Turin Auto Show, Lancia introduced a Stratos HF (High Fidelity) prototype clothed in stunning new coachwork penned by Marcello Gandini. The car’s wedge-shaped body was dominated by a large wraparound windscreen offering unparalleled visibility. In 1972 the Lancia factory team campaigned the Stratos as a prototype, but glory initially remained elusive. Eventually earning its first win in 1973, the model was on its way to supremacy in Group 4 rallying a year later. The Stratos proved to be phenomenally successful, securing three consecutive World Rally Championship Manufacturers’ titles from 1974 to 1976 while cementing its legacy in the process. After its Works campaign concluded, the model continued to win in the hands of privateers, notably helping factory driver Sandro Munari to the WRC Drivers’ Championship in 1977 and even winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1979. Now recognized as the first automobile ever purpose-built for the WRC, the Stratos was produced in a modest quantity of 492 examples. It has evolved into one of Lancia’s most collectible models, claiming rarity, captivating design, an athletic chassis, and a magnificent competition pedigree. The featured Stratos HF Stradale claims a remarkable level of originality and some fascinating early Italian documentation, resulting in one of the most authentic examples offered in recent memory. According to a factory production record on file, chassis number 001843 completed assembly in January 1975 finished in Stratos red paint over an interior trimmed in black skai - alcantara avana with Saval red carpets. Six months later the Lancia was sold through an agent in Pistoia, Italy to a local enthusiast named Marcello Del Guerra, as clarified by an original warranty booklet entry and ACI papers. Stamps in the warranty booklet demonstrate fastidious care during the Lancia’s first ownership, as it was repeatedly returned to a licensed marque dealer for service. It is also likely that the ACI plaque near the rear bumper, an indication of the car’s registration for racing use, was mounted during this initial ownership. In November 1985, after 10 years of doting care, Mr Del Guerra sold the Stratos to Fiammetta Spamponi, who in turn sold the car a few months later to another Pistoia-based owner. This latter owner retained possession of the Lancia for nearly 20 years, until 2014, when it passed to an enthusiast based in the United Kingdom. Sold in 2016 to the current owner, a highly respected international collector, this remarkable rally legend has been faithfully preserved, with the car recently being maintained by the well-regarded The Light Car Company. Mechanical stampings consistent with data on the production record indicate that the Stratos desirably retains its matching-numbers chassis, engine, and coachwork. The car, furthermore, claims incredibly authentic condition, retaining its original body panels and most of the original paint. Displaying an odometer reading of 68,421 kilometres (approximately 42,515 miles) at the time of cataloguing, and boasting impressive original quality throughout, the Lancia is still fitted with the correct, gold Stradale-specification wheels, which appear to have never been restored. As a superbly documented and well-preserved example of one of the most archetypal motoring silhouettes, this wonderful Stratos would make a distinctive addition to any sporting collection. It is sure to inspire the envy of marque enthusiasts, rallying fans, and 1970s supercar aficionados alike.