The extraordinary concept made a rare appearance at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este last weekend.
The automotive industry has been blessed with many amazing concepts over the past century. This is evident in our weekly Contem We Forgot series. The Lancia Stratos HF Zero, without a doubt is a great example of the amazing projects that talented designers can create when they are allowed to do whatever they want. Bertone didn’t have to worry about the vehicle being made production-ready, which opened up many opportunities for the Italian design house for creating a true show-stopper. It did.
The Lancia Stratos HF Zero, penned by Marcello Gandini, was unveiled October 28, 1970. It was a sensation right from the beginning. It’s still a big deal 48 years later. This video was shot during the 2018 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. The clip’s beginning with three people pushing the wedge-shaped idea should not be misled into thinking that this is just a showcar.
The idea to create a functional prototype was a goal from the beginning. It can be seen moving independently and providing a pleasing soundtrack from its V4 engine, which is hidden beneath a triangular engine cover. It is worth mentioning that the Stratos HF Zero was completely restored in 2000. As you can see, it is still in great condition almost two decades later.
There are many things to like about this concept. It lacks conventional doors and is only 33 inches tall (or 84 cms). The flip-up windscreen allows access into what appears to be a cramped cabin. Originally named “Stratolimite” (“limit to the stratosphere”) by Nuccio Bertone in an attempt to make the lowest car possible. This made Pininfarina’s Ferrari 512S Modulo (36.6 inches / 93.5cm) seem very tall.
2011: Lancia Stratos HF zero at the same Villa D’Este was sold by RM Sotheby’s for EUR761,600. This is approximately $884,110 in today’s dollars.
It is worth noting that the Zero was not the only concept car bearing the “Stratos” legend. In 2001, Turin-based Stola designed the S81, which was named “Stratos”. Designed by Marcello Gandini to commemorate the 30 th Anniversary of the 1971 HF Prototype’s 1971 HF Prototype, it was a clay model.
Last note: The “Stratos” moniker was prominently featured at the Geneva Motor Show, where Manifattura Automobili Torino presented the ” New Stratos”, a Ferrari 430 Scuderia-based, modern interpretation that is available for over $600,000. This includes the donor car.