1979 Lancia Stratos Replica by Hawk, Registration no. EAM 193V Chassis no. 0189677

* Based on a Lancia Beta 1600 Coupé
* Lancia Delta Volumex 2.0-litre engine
* Present ownership since 2005
* Last used circa five years ago
* Requires re-commissioning

This Stratos replica was constructed in 1996 (it is believed) using a Hawk (Gerry Hawkridge) kit and a 1979 Lancia Beta donor car. A limited-production 'homologation special', the Lancia Stratos was the first car from a major manufacturer conceived specifically for rallying. The spearhead of Lancia's international rally campaign in the 1970s, the production Stratos was powered by the 2.4-litre Ferrari Dino V6 engine, which was housed in a robust steel monocoque body tub clad in glassfibre coachwork styled by Carrozzeria Bertone.

After its initial major victory in the 1974 Targa Florio, the Stratos went on to dominate international rallying, Lancia winning the World Rally Championship of Makes in 1975 and 1976. Works pilote Bernard Darniche triumphed twice in the world's premier drivers' competition - the European Rally Championship - in 1976 and 1977, and the Stratos helped Markku Alén to the inaugural World Drivers' Championship in 1978. Alen's season had been split between the Stratos and the FIAT 131, and it was the parent company's political decision to favour that latter, rather than any lack of competitiveness, which saw the incomparable Stratos phased out.

Incredible as it may seem today, after the 400 cars required for homologation had been completed in 1975, the vast majority remained unsold due to lack of demand. Almost as soon as it ceased active competition though, the car's historic significance was recognised and prices soared. Today, a genuine Stratos commands a king's ransom, resulting in the appearance of a number of 'kit car' replicas.

Registered as a Lancia Beta 1600 Coupé, this Hawk example was formerly fitted with an Alfa Romeo engine but since Brin's acquisition in 2005 has had a 2.0-litre Volumex-blown Lancia Delta power unit installed. Well constructed, the car was used for a few local rallies before being placed in storage around five years ago (the last MoT expired in 2009). Offered with a V5C Registration Certificate.