A futuristic 1970 Lancia concept car is likely to be the most spectacular looking vehicle at RM Auctions' upcoming classic car sale at Lake Como in Italy.
The 115 bhp, 1,584cc V-4 Lancia Stratos HF 'Zero' will certainly turn heads at the May 21 event and could have investors seriously interested.
Unveiled at the Turin Motor Show on October 28 1970, the Bertone designed vehicle is a fully functioning prototype that bears the clear hallmark of the company's head designer Marcello Gandini. It was the first prototype of the Stratos, which went on to become a successful production and rally car, winning the World Rally Championship three times in a row between 1974 and 1976.
 This 1970 Lancia is up for grabs at Lake Como in May |
Access to the vehicle, which was produced from existing Lancia parts, is gained via a flip-up windscreen. Designers were intent on making the car as narrow and low to the ground as possible, with just 84 cm of clearance.
In an interview with Giancarlo Perini in 1977, Gandini commented: "The very first Stratos was designed as freely as the [Autobianchi] Runabout and reached the aim for which it was intended: to establish a bridge between Lancia and Bertone."
Fully restored in 2000, this vehicle arrives from the Carrozzeria Bertone Collection.
- Learn how you can get pleasure and profit from investing in classic cars
- Read all the latest Classic Cars news
Join our readers in 200 countries around the world - sign up for your free weekly Collectibles Newsletter today
