Lancia Rally 037

Summary

1
Car Info
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Technical Specifications & Achievements

Car Info

The Lancia Rally 037 holds the unique distinction of being the last rear-wheel-drive car to win the WRC manufacturers’ title, achieving this against the odds in 1983 - just as four-wheel-drive technology was beginning to dominate. It was a triumph of precision engineering and driver skill over technological disadvantage.

Developed as Lancia’s first Group B contender and successor to the Stratos, the 037 featured a mid-mounted supercharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing around 300 bhp, aided by water injection. A lightweight tubular steel chassis and Kevlar bodywork gave it outstanding handling, partially offsetting the traction limitations of its rear-wheel-drive layout.

The car’s strengths were most evident on Tarmac, where its agility and lighter weight proved decisive. Walter Röhrl and Markku Alén spearheaded Lancia’s campaign, with Röhrl winning Rallye Monte-Carlo and Alén taking key podiums. Röhrl’s selective appearances delivered vital points, helping secure the title over Audi’s more powerful Quattro.

The 037’s victory was both exceptional and final - a last stand for rear-wheel drive in top-level rallying. By 1984, four-wheel-drive rivals had matured, and the 037 was no longer competitive.

Technical Specifications & Achievements

Car Name

Lancia Rally 037

Chassis

Tubular steel spaceframe with Kevlar bodywork

Engine

2.0L inline-4 supercharged (300 bhp)

Transmission

5-speed manual with ZF limited-slip differential

WRC Wins

WRC Manufacturers Titles

1 (1983)