#Lancia #Stratos Replica : Lister Bell | #StartUP First #TestDrive

Lancia Stratos Replica : Lister Bell | First Test Drive Update A trip down to Italian Design & Racing in Phoenix, AZ for the first test drive of the Lister Bell Lancia Stratos Replica. IDR are better known for their Ferrari Recreations, specifically their Ferrari 308 based Ferrari 288GTO Recreations and their Ferrari P4 Recreations. With all the pre running issues resolved, oil pressure, engine idle etc. we were ready to run through the usual preflight checks, bleeding the clutch, pressurizing and testing the coolant system, torqueing the wheels, fitting the air filter and other last minute tweaks. The first baby steps proved encouraging, with the running temperature good, radiator fans kicking in, oil pressure good. With the difficulty in sourcing the right size alternator belt, we currently have a squeak from that, easily resolved with different size pulleys if necessary. The road test itself involved a number of runs up and down the street before there was a little smoke from the rear. Again, easily rectified, the rear rocker/valve cover gasket wasn’t sealing properly as the remains of the original gasket had not been cleaned up. We found the door latch cables were fitted with perhaps not the best ties, when we removed the interior door panels to fit the wing mirrors using bolts rather than self tapping panel screws. Again, improved and resolved. This series follows the build and subsequent ownership, enjoyment, trials and tribulations of owning a Lister Bell Lancia Stratos Replica kit car of the legendary Lancia Stratos Rally Car, winner of the WRC (world Rally Championship) three years running. Much like the Hawk Cars Stratos replica, the Lister Bell or LB Specialist Cars’ Stratos can be bought as a kit, partially built or fully built. My personal decision was for Lister Bell to build a turn key car, building the chassis, bodywork, suspension, brakes and electrics. The engine in my Lister Bell Stratos is the famous Busso 3.0 litre V6 engine, the 12v Alfa Romeo V6, from a 1992 Alfa Romeo 164, putting out just a little over 200bhp which is plenty and was installed by Italian Design & Racing in Mesa, Phoenix, Arizona. The Lancia Stratos is a legendary sports car produced by Italian car manufacturer Lancia from 1972 to 1974. It was designed by the famous Italian designer Marcello Gandini and built by Bertone. The Stratos was a highly successful rally car, winning the World Rally Championship three times in a row from 1974 to 1976. The Stratos was powered by a mid-mounted V6 engine, originally sourced from the Ferrari Dino. It had a displacement of 2.4 liters and produced around 190 horsepower. Later versions of the Stratos, known as the Stratos HF, were equipped with a V6 that produced up to 280 horsepower. The Stratos was built on a short wheelbase, which gave it excellent handling and agility. The body was made from lightweight materials such as fiberglass and aluminum, and the car had a distinctive wedge shape that was optimized for aerodynamics. In addition to its racing success, the Lancia Stratos was also known for its unique styling and innovative design. The car’s short, wide body and large windshield gave it a futuristic appearance that was ahead of its time. Overall, the Lancia Stratos is a legendary sports car that has left an indelible mark on the automotive world. Its combination of unique styling, innovative design, and outstanding performance has made it a true icon of the golden age of rally racing.