Lancia 037 Rally
The Lancia 037 was one of the most appealing and aggressive sportscars made for Rallies in the
early 80’s. It is notable as it retained the rear-wheel drive layout that was nearly universal for rally cars of the
pre-Group B period; nearly all subsequent successful rally cars used four-wheel drive, making the 037 the last of its
kind. After the starting skepticism, due to a series of retirements, the new born of ‘’Casa Lancia’’ gained respect
formerly in 1983 winning the WRC Constructors’ title with Walter Röhrl (Germany) and Markku Alen (Finland). Missing
the final round of the series, a good chance to win even the driver’s title was finally left to the veteran Hannu
Mikkola on Audi Quattro. 1984 had no particular exploits despite a new improved engine power that was not enough to
contrast 4WD competition. Indeed, Alen collected the final victory in the annual Tour de Corse, while 1985 signed the
definitive retirement in the Martini sponsored line-up leaving the place to the new turbocharged 4WD Delta S4.