In Quarantine with AUTOhebdo – Happy Birthday Sandro!

He is nicknamed “Il Drago” (The Dragon). Its name is inevitably associated with this real prototype placed on the roads and paths of World Championship rallies in the 70s by the Lancia brand, to succeed an aging Fulvia HF1600, which had nevertheless brought it success in the Rally Monte Carlo in 1972.

In the Alitalia livery, the legendary Stratos revolutionized rallying, and had a string of victories in the Principality between 1975 and 1977. Elsewhere too, the beautiful Italian and its unforgettable heart (original V6 Ferrari), racked up victories (Corsica, Portugal, San Remo), always with Sandro Munari at the wheel. A blessed time for Lancia, which collected manufacturer crowns between 1974 and 1976

Born March 27, 1940, Munari first shined in Italy and the European Championship, but also in Endurance (victory at the Targa Florio) before turning to the new World Championship. Although the Drivers' title was not awarded until 1979, the Transalpine won the FIA ​​Drivers' Cup in 1977.

As early as 1978, however, the FIAT group wanted to promote its 131 Abarth. Almost heartbreaking for Munari, so attached to his Stratos. He will no longer find the top step of the podium with the “Mirafiori”.

Discover in this report dedicated to Italian rally drivers, the career of Sandro Munari.