Lancia Stratos (1973-78)

The Lancia Stratos, while an iconic rally car, has its share of common faults. Here are some issues that owners and enthusiasts have reported:

1. **Transmission Problems**: The Stratos is known for premature transmission failures, which can be a significant issue during competition.
2. **Rust**: Like many classic cars, the Stratos is prone to rust, especially in the chassis and body panels.
3. **Electrical Issues**: Problems with the electrical system, including wiring and lighting, are common.
4. **Cooling System**: Overheating can be an issue, often due to problems with the radiator and cooling system.
5. **Suspension Wear**: The suspension components can wear out quickly, especially under the stress of rally conditions.

Despite these faults, the Stratos remains a beloved classic due to its unique design and rally heritage.
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Generations
The Lancia Stratos was produced in a single generation from 1973 to 1978. This iconic car was designed specifically for rallying and became one of the most successful rally cars of its time, winning the World Rally Championship three times consecutively from 1974 to 1976.
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Body Styles
The Lancia Stratos was primarily available in a single body style:

- **2-door coupé**: This was the standard and only body style for the Stratos, designed specifically for rallying.

There were variations within this body style, particularly for different rally specifications, but the overall design remained consistent as a 2-door coupé.
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Versions/Engines
The Lancia Stratos had a few notable versions, primarily focused on its rallying and road-going capabilities:

1. **Stratos HF Stradale**: This was the road-going version, equipped with a de-tuned 2.4-litre Ferrari Dino V6 engine, producing around 190 hp.
2. **Stratos HF Group 4**: The rally version, which was highly successful in the World Rally Championship, featuring a more powerful version of the 2.4-litre V6 engine.
3. **Stratos Zero**: The original concept car that debuted in 1970, featuring a radical design and a Fulvia V4 engine.

These versions highlight the Stratos' versatility and its significant impact on both road and rally racing.
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Spares
You can find spares for a Lancia Stratos (1973-78) at several specialist suppliers in the UK. Here are a few options:

1. **X19 Spares UK**
- **Website**: [X19 Spares UK](https://www.x19spares.co.uk/lancia-stratos-parts-40-c.asp)
- **Services**: Offers a wide range of Lancia Stratos parts, including special order items.

2. **Ricambio International Ltd**
- **Website**: [Ricambio](https://www.ricambio.co.uk/74-lancia)
- **Services**: Specializes in parts for Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo, including the Stratos.
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Specialist Help
**NORTHERN IRELAND LANCIA SPECIALISTS**

Specialist mechanics in County Antrim who can help with a Lancia Stratos:

1. **McMillan Specialist Cars**
- **Address**: Unit 10, Plasketts Close Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN
- **Phone**: 028 9335 4911
- **Services**: Offers a range of mechanical repairs, including classic car restoration and servicing.

2. **L&M International**
- **Website**: [L&M International](https://italiancarservicing.co.uk/lancia/)
- **Services**: Specializes in Italian cars, including Lancia models, and offers parts, tuning, repairs, and servicing.

Specialist mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, who can help with a Lancia Stratos:

1. **ODS Automotives**
- **Address**: 28A Church Street, Middletown, BT60 4HZ
- **Phone**: 028 3756 8206
- **Services**: Offers a range of mechanical services, including repairs and maintenance.

2. **Johnny Cargo (Independent Mechanic)**
- **Location**: Lisburn area (serving Northern Ireland)
- **Specialty**: Known for his expertise in Alfa, Fiat, and Lancia vehicles.

Specialist mechanics in County Down, Northern Ireland, who can help with Lancia vehicles:

1. **Bells of Crossgar Accident Repair Centre**
- **Address**: 30 Saintfield Road, Downpatrick BT30 9HY
- **Phone**: 028 4483 2000
- **Services**: Offers full car servicing and accident repair facilities.

2. **Creevy Autos**
- **Address**: 210 Ballygowan Road, Belfast BT5 7UB
- **Phone**: 028 9044 8362
- **Services**: Specializes in sales, servicing, and repair of various car models.

3. **German Motorworks**
- **Address**: 26 Halfway Road, Banbridge BT32 4ET
- **Phone**: 028 4062 8034
- **Services**: Provides diagnostic checks, service, and repairs for all makes and models.

Specialist mechanics in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, who can help with Lancia vehicles:

1. **The Motor Ombudsman Garage Finder**
- **Website**: [The Motor Ombudsman](https://www.themotorombudsman.org/garage-finder/fermanagh/lancia/general-repair)
- **Services**: Provides a list of accredited and recommended Lancia dealerships and independent specialist garages.

2. **Johnny Cargo (Independent Mechanic)**
- **Location**: Lisburn area (serving Northern Ireland)
- **Specialty**: Known for his expertise in Alfa, Fiat, and Lancia vehicles.

Specialist mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, who can help with Lancia vehicles:

1. **Lloyd Cooke Motors**
- **Address**: 53 Lismacarol Road, Londonderry BT47 3LZ
- **Phone**: 028 7130 2100
- **Services**: Offers comprehensive vehicle repair services, including bodywork and mechanical repairs.

2. **S M C Motors**
- **Address**: Londonderry BT47 2AB
- **Services**: Provides a range of garage services, including mechanical repairs and maintenance.

3. **Satnams Garage**
- **Address**: Londonderry BT47 2AB
- **Services**: Offers general garage services and repairs.

4. **Stewart Motors Ltd**
- **Address**: Londonderry BT47 2AB
- **Services**: Specializes in various car repairs and maintenance.

Specialist mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, who can help with Lancia vehicles:

1. **Tyrone Diesel Systems**
- **Address**: 2 Gortrush Industrial Estate, Omagh BT78 5EJ
- **Phone**: 028 8224 2225
- **Services**: Specializes in diesel systems, including testing and repair of diesel fuel systems.

2. **Johnny Cargo (Independent Mechanic)**
- **Location**: Lisburn area (serving Northern Ireland)
- **Specialty**: Known for his expertise in Alfa, Fiat
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Racing
The Lancia Stratos was incredibly successful in rally racing during its production years from 1973 to 1978. It won the **World Rally Championship (WRC) three times consecutively** in 1974, 1975, and 1976. Additionally, it secured victories in prestigious events like the **1974 Targa Florio** and multiple editions of the **Tour de France Automobile** and **Giro d'Italia automobilistico**.

The Lancia Stratos, officially known as the Lancia Stratos HF, is a legendary rally car produced by the Italian manufacturer Lancia between 1973 and 1978. Here are some key highlights about this iconic vehicle:

### **Design and Development**
- **Designer**: The Stratos was designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, known for its distinctive wedge shape and futuristic design.
- **Engine**: It was powered by a mid-mounted 2.4-litre Dino V6 engine from Ferrari, producing around 190 horsepower in its road version.
- **Construction**: The car featured a steel space-frame structure with a fiberglass body, making it lightweight and agile.

### **Racing Achievements**
- **World Rally Championship**: The Stratos won the WRC Manufacturers' Championship three times in a row (1974, 1975, and 1976).
- **Other Victories**: It also claimed victories in prestigious events like the Targa Florio, the Tour de France Automobile, and the Giro d'Italia automobilistico.

### **Legacy**
- **First Purpose-Built Rally Car**: The Stratos was the first car specifically designed for rallying, setting a new standard in the sport.
- **Enduring Influence**: Its success and innovative design have left a lasting impact on the world of motorsport and car design³.

The Lancia Stratos remains a beloved classic among car enthusiasts and a symbol of rallying excellence.