Eduard Huma
The original Lancia Stratos attracted a lot of attention which is why it could be rightfully called an icon. The car is extremely appealing to collectors and automotive enthusiasts because of its distinctively shaped design and history with rally racing. As with many other coachbuilding projects, there are few genuine Stratos models left today, and they are very costly, but this has created a demand for Stratos replicas, which attempt to mimic the design and essence of the original vehicle a little bit cheaper.
Of all the Stratos replicas I’ve seen, this one is rather interesting as it has a custom tube frame chassis and is manned by an Alfa Romeo V6 engine with a 5-speed gearbox. In this article, I will provide a closer look at this new postmodern version of the mythical Stratos.
Table of Contents
Exterior Styling
That’s the general design of the Stratos replica and there is no doubt that its heritage is unmistakable. The sleek edge and the angled front window are distinct trademarks of the original car design borrowed to the wedge-shaped exterior in front of the flying buttresses design beyond the driver’s area. I am almost in awe over how the shapes and the sizes appear to mimic the form, fit, and contour of that celebrated 70s sports car.
There are few variations that I have noticed in some replicas with little issues in fit and finish but this one has got very well built bodywork. Several aspects such as sharp edges and the appropriate spacing between panels depict a well made product. I like the hood badge which is a crossed sword and lance emblem copied in duplicate on the car’s bonnet. All things considered, the exterior design is a faithful reproduction of the character of the original Stratos.
Interior Details
Getting into this Stratos replica is something I can only describe as a momentous event for someone like me – a car enthusiast. The interior mimics the design and styling of the original with more head and legroom and a taller driver’s seat like mine. My favorite aspect is seated position, how it’s nestled into the bodywork, that low and close to the tarmac it sits outside. The bucket seats in leather are connected with the Alcantara trim at the dash and doors to give the car an elegant and spirited appearance.
As for the interior trim, fit and finish, I would go so far as to say they are even better than expected and appear to be of superior quality to the – admittedly rather limited – number of Stratos replicas I have been able to physically examine myself.
Despite this, most of the switchgear operates smoothly, to a level that would be consistent with the character of an original car. The thick leather-wrapped steering wheel nicely surrounds the quite protruding and highly readable dials in the same manner.
In my case, there is one thing that is a major plus compared with what other builders offer, for example, – it is interiors. It goes a long way towards explaining why this replica is so costly and how buyers can justify the price.
Alfa Romeo Powerplant
The thing that really interests me it is placed in the heart of this Stratos recreation is that while many such cars would be powered by four or six cylinder engines supplied by any run-of-the-mill car maker, the builder chose to source a 2.5 V6 engine from none other than the Alfa Romeo’s 166 sedan.
In that application, the aluminum 24-valve engine was rated at 192 horsepower. It has to be exhilarating, to drive an authentically Italian power plant in such a svelte sports car package.
In my opinion it would be absolutely ideal to power this car, a tribute to another legendary Italian automotive brand – Lancia.
I’ve never had the chance to drive this specific car, but based on my estimates, this car should be getting to sixty in about five seconds and have an accompanying sound that honors that V6 legacy. Other kits employ fairly normal propulsion systems, but the fiery engine is the primary draw of this replica for me.
Conclusion
When a particular type of vehicle comes into the market, and it has the ability to bring something new to table, as an automotive enthusiast, I get interested. This Lancia Stratos replica does exactly that, and even though there are only a few of them in existence, they are true works of art.
Even the hand made body work and the upgraded Alfa Romeo V6 engine show that the time taken to replicate this rally car is worthy of respect. Despite the fact that construction of such models demands much effort and skills, the outcome for enthusiasts appearing to be extremely deserving. For this, I hold this as a modern interpretation done right and receive it with my utmost admiration.
Full Equipment
- 15-inch Compomotive coffin-spoke wheels
- Gp4 round-arch fiberglass body
- Gaz adjustable coilover suspension
- Hispec Motorsport brake rotors
- Laminova heat exchanger kit
- Front lamp pod
- Roof scoop
- Mud flaps
- Vitaloni door mirrors
- Stratos Stradale-style interior
- Removable door sill bars
- Alcantara and leather upholstery
- Nardi shift knob
- Wilwood pedals
- Sabelt 4-point harnesses
- Manual-winding windows
- Air conditioning
- Garmin DriveSmart 51 navigation system
- Garmin BC 40 wireless rear-view camera
Final Remarks – Creating a Legacy in Rallying
In the captivating world of craftsmanship, the 2017 Lister Bell STR Lancia Stratos Replica stands tall as a tribute to rally racing heritage. Meticulously crafted with precision and passion by LB Specialist Cars, this masterpiece seamlessly blends timeless design with technology. It is more than a replica, it is a rally legend reborn and ready to hit the road forging new chapters in automotive excellence history. Whether you are a rally fan or a collector seeking authenticity, embrace the STR Lancia Stratos Replica as your rallying legacy waiting to be explored.
Lancia Stratos Replica Videos
Lancia Stratos Replica Exterior Media Gallery
Lancia Stratos Replica Interior Media Gallery
Lancia Stratos Replica Mechanical Media Gallery
