Lancia built the Lancia Stratos HF, which won the World Rally Championship for manufacturers three consecutive times from 1974 through 1976. The mid-engined rally car was designed specifically for competition, rather than adapted from an ordinary family model.
The Stratos used a 2.4-litre Ferrari Dino V6 mounted behind the driver. Its short wheelbase, compact body, and low centre of gravity made it highly effective on demanding rally stages. The dramatic wedge-shaped design was created by Bertone, with Marcello Gandini responsible for the original styling.
Lancia’s Stratos won the manufacturers’ championship in 1974, 1975, and 1976. Italian driver Sandro Munari was one of its best-known competitors, winning the 1976 Monte Carlo Rally in a Stratos. The road-going homologation version was produced in limited numbers so the competition car could meet Group 4 regulations.