- 1,115
- Rivera
- Tsukishima-TDUDT
The Lancia Rally (Tipo 151, also known as the Lancia Rally 037, Lancia 037 or Lancia-Abarth #037 from its Abarth project code 037) was a mid-engine sports car and rally car built by Lancia in the early 1980s to compete in the FIA Group B World Rally Championship. Driven by Markku Alén, Attilio Bettega, and Walter Röhrl, the car won Lancia the manufacturers' world championship in the 1983 season. It was the last rear-wheel drive car to win the WRC.
Development of the 037 was trusted to Abarth who had the challenge of following the mighty Lancia Stratos. The new car was similar to an earlier design called the Beta Monte Carlo with its central tub and large steel space frames fore and aft. Despite Audi's success in four-wheel-drive, Abarth opted out and instead relied on a single rear ZF differential.
Almost every aspect of the 037 was business with large Brembro Brakes, double wishbone suspension, two 35-litre tanks, ZF five-speed gearbox, an Abarth-supercharged engine and easy access for repairs.
The development prototype (Chassis 001), the very first Lancia 037 was completed in December of 1980. Due to issues with the engine development, it was run during the first tests with a naturally aspirated engine. It was subsequently submitted to the Pininfarina wind-tunnel where the 037's ultimate shape was determined. Chassis 001 was then used for tyre testing and would almost be the first prototype to be used off road. After it served its purpose, it passed to one of its creators, Abarth engineer Sergio Limone. It has since been displayed at the Museo dell'Automobile in Turin. The rare development prototype changed hands and was comprehensively restored in 2013/2014. As an important piece in the Lancia 037 history, it has also been featured in several magazines and books.
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