1982 Lancia 037
The Lancia 037, a car that holds a distinguished place in the annals of motorsport history, was a significant player in the Group B rally era. Renowned for its engineering ingenuity and competitive prowess, the 037 was a product of Lancia’s rich heritage in rally racing. This comprehensive article delves into the history, background, specifications, production, motorsport achievements, and different variants of the Lancia 037, providing an in-depth look at a car that not only marked a high point for Lancia but also left an indelible mark on rallying history.
The Lancia 037 emerged in the early 1980s, a period marked by rapid technological advancements in motorsport, particularly in rallying. It was a successor to the Lancia Stratos, another iconic rally car, and represented Lancia’s response to the increasing competition in the World Rally Championship (WRC). The 037 was designed specifically for Group B rallying, a category known for its high-performance cars and relatively liberal technical regulations.
The development of the Lancia 037 began in the late 1970s, with the aim of creating a vehicle that could compete effectively against emerging competitors such as the Audi Quattro. The project, led by engineer Sergio Limone, sought to leverage Lancia’s experience with mid-engined sports cars, drawing heavily on the lessons learned from the Stratos. The result was a car that combined lightweight construction, advanced aerodynamics, and a powerful engine, tailored to the demanding conditions of rally stages.
The 037 made its competitive debut in 1982, immediately demonstrating its potential by winning several events. Its success was particularly notable in the 1983 season, when Lancia secured the Manufacturers’ Championship, marking a significant achievement in the face of fierce competition. The car continued to compete until the mid-1980s, by which time the dominance of four-wheel-drive competitors, particularly the Audi Quattro, had become apparent. Nevertheless, the 037 remains a celebrated example of rally engineering, known for its handling, performance, and the technical challenges it overcame.
The creation of the Lancia 037 was rooted in the need to compete at the highest levels of rallying, particularly within the newly formed Group B category. This class, introduced in the early 1980s, allowed manufacturers considerable freedom in terms of technical specifications, leading to the development of some of the most advanced and powerful rally cars ever built.
Lancia’s approach to the 037 was characterized by a focus on simplicity and reliability, in contrast to the complex all-wheel-drive systems being developed by competitors like Audi. The decision to stick with a rear-wheel-drive configuration was based on several factors, including weight reduction and simplicity, which were seen as crucial for achieving the best possible performance in the varied conditions of rallying.
The car’s design was a collaboration between several key figures in the automotive world. The chassis was developed by Dallara, a company renowned for its expertise in race car engineering. The bodywork, designed by Pininfarina, featured a sleek, aerodynamic profile that was optimized for both speed and stability. The combination of Dallara’s engineering and Pininfarina’s design resulted in a car that was not only competitive but also visually striking.
The Lancia 037 was powered by a 2.0-liter supercharged inline-four engine, a choice that reflected Lancia’s emphasis on maximizing power-to-weight ratio and minimizing complexity. This engine, developed by Abarth, was capable of producing significant power, particularly in the later Evolution models. The use of a supercharger, as opposed to a turbocharger, was intended to provide more immediate throttle response, a key advantage in the tight, twisty stages of rallying.
The technical specifications of the Lancia 037 were a testament to its design philosophy, which prioritized lightweight construction, aerodynamic efficiency, and mechanical simplicity. The car featured a mid-engine layout, with the engine mounted longitudinally behind the driver. This configuration helped to achieve an optimal weight distribution, which was critical for handling and stability.
The engine, a 2.0-liter supercharged inline-four, was derived from the unit used in the Lancia Beta Montecarlo. In its initial form, this engine produced around 205 horsepower, which was impressive for the time but relatively modest compared to some of its turbocharged competitors. However, the engine’s power output was later increased to approximately 280 horsepower in the Evolution models, thanks to various enhancements including improved supercharging technology and modifications to the intake and exhaust systems.
The 037’s chassis was constructed using a combination of steel and composite materials, including fiberglass and Kevlar. This construction method provided a good balance of strength and weight, contributing to the car’s overall performance. The suspension system was also advanced for its time, featuring double wishbones with coil springs and telescopic dampers at both the front and rear. This setup allowed for precise handling and control, essential for navigating the diverse terrains encountered in rally stages.
One of the most distinctive features of the Lancia 037 was its bodywork, designed by Pininfarina. The car’s aerodynamic profile included a wedge-shaped front end and a large rear wing, both of which were designed to reduce drag and increase downforce. These aerodynamic elements were particularly important for high-speed stability, a critical factor in rallying where cars often reach significant speeds on gravel, tarmac, and snow-covered roads
The Lancia 037 was produced in limited numbers, in part due to the requirements of Group B regulations, which mandated that a minimum of 200 road-going examples had to be built for homologation purposes. This production run was sufficient to qualify the car for competition while also creating a small but enthusiastic customer base among automotive enthusiasts.
The road version of the 037, known as the Stradale, was closely related to the rally car in terms of design and engineering. It featured the same mid-engine layout and supercharged engine, though with a slightly detuned output to suit road use. Despite its racing pedigree, the Stradale was equipped with a range of features aimed at making it more practical for everyday use, including a more refined interior and slightly softer suspension settings.
The 037 was manufactured at Lancia’s facilities in Turin, Italy, with the bodywork produced by Pininfarina and the chassis components supplied by Dallara. The assembly process involved a high degree of craftsmanship, reflecting the car’s status as a specialized, high-performance vehicle. This attention to detail was evident in the quality of the finished product, which combined racing technology with Italian design flair.
In total, around 207 examples of the Lancia 037 were produced, including both the Stradale and the various competition versions. This limited production run has contributed to the car’s status as a collector’s item today, with well-preserved examples commanding significant prices in the classic car market.
The Lancia 037’s career in motorsport, though relatively short-lived, was marked by significant achievements, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC). The car made its debut in the 1982 season, competing under the Martini Racing banner, and quickly established itself as a formidable competitor. Its rear-wheel-drive configuration, while seen as a potential disadvantage compared to the emerging four-wheel-drive systems, proved effective in the hands of skilled drivers.
The 1983 WRC season was the highlight of the 037’s career, with Lancia securing the Manufacturers’ Championship. This success was largely due to the car’s performance on tarmac and gravel stages, where its lightweight design and responsive handling provided a competitive edge. Notable drivers such as Walter Röhrl, Markku Alén, and Attilio Bettega played crucial roles in achieving these victories, showcasing the car’s capabilities across a range of conditions.
Despite its successes, the 037 faced increasing challenges from competitors utilizing all-wheel-drive systems, most notably the Audi Quattro. The latter’s superior traction in slippery conditions gradually made the rear-wheel-drive 037 less competitive, particularly on loose surfaces like snow and gravel. Nevertheless, the 037 continued to compete until the introduction of its successor, the Lancia Delta S4, which featured all-wheel drive and turbocharging.
In addition to its WRC exploits, the Lancia 037 also competed in other rally events and championships, including the European Rally Championship and various national series. Its achievements in these competitions further cemented its reputation as a well-engineered and capable rally car, even as the rallying landscape was rapidly evolving.
The Lancia 037 was produced in several variants, each designed to meet specific requirements or enhance certain aspects of the car’s performance. The base model, known as the 037 Stradale, was the road-going version required for homologation. It was equipped with a slightly detuned version of the supercharged engine used in the competition cars, producing around 205 horsepower. The Stradale was designed to be more user-friendly than the race-prepared models, featuring a more comfortable interior and slightly less aggressive suspension settings.
The most significant variant of the 037 was the 037 Rally, the competition model that competed in the WRC and other rally events. This version featured a more powerful engine, initially producing around 265 horsepower and later upgraded to around 280 horsepower in the Evolution 1 model. The 037 Rally also included a range of modifications aimed at improving performance, such as a reinforced chassis, upgraded suspension components, and enhanced aerodynamics.
The final and most advanced version of the 037 was the Evolution 2, also known as the Evo 2. This variant was developed in response to the increasing competition from four-wheel-drive cars and featured significant upgrades over the earlier models.
The Lancia 037, a legendary figure in the rally world, holds a significant place in motorsport history as one of the last successful rear-wheel-drive cars before the rise of four-wheel-drive systems. This comprehensive article explores the Lancia 037’s history, background, specifications, production details, motorsport achievements, and various variants, highlighting its unique contributions to automotive and rallying culture.