History - The Inspiration

To fully understand the motoring ideal embodied by the CORSE one must first look at the concept that inspired it.

Project 'Stratosphere' was born in 1970 as a concept car designed by Bertone to utilise the Lancia Fulvia running gear. In its original state it was never developed beyond a styling study, but at that time the Fiat empire was looking to find a car to replace the then ageing Fulvia as the group's platform for world rally success, and so in 1972 after major design alterations and the fitting of the Ferrari V6 Dino engine, a no compromise sports racer, the Lancia Stratos was created.

From the outset the Stratos was a winning combination of style and performance. Victorious in the first rally it entered in 1973, it went on to dominate the international scene for the next six years, picking up the world championship for makes in three consecutive years between 1974 and 1976. In the hands of privateers it continued to win rallies until 1982 when its homologation ran out, ten years after its conception.

As was the case with most works rally specials, only drivers of the highest calibre were able to derive the full benefit of the beautiful Stratos's abilities. For although its levels of adhesion were exceedingly high, the on limit nervousness of the car combined with the rapidity with which it could swap ends, made for trips into the scenery a regular occurrence for anyone with less than lightning quick reflexes. Progressive handling was not in the Stratos's vocabulary. Similar 'interesting' handling characteristics were found in the road cars and it soon gained a reputation as a car that would 'bite back'.

Because of the Stratos's short wheelbase and therefore agility, and despite its twitchiness, in the right hands it was a formidable rally weapon. However the same traits were found to be detrimental in circuit racing. So in 1976 a longer wheel base, turbo engined Sratos was developed specifically for the track. The body for the 'Group 5 Silhouette' Stratos grew radical aerodynamic aids in the shape of spoilers and wings which gave the pretty Stratos an altogether more aggressive look. Sadly the 'Silhouette' was never fully campaigned but there is no doubt that if Fiat had provided the backing the 'Group 5' Stratos would have been a huge success.

For those lucky few who own a Stratos, they find themselves in possession of a car that even to this day is probably the most beautiful and evocative rally car ever made. As a road car it rates alongside other Bertone classics such as the Lamborgini Miura and Countach for its abilities and road presence.

Read the The Superstratos Story (PDF)