The year is 1982. The FIA introduces Group B, a revolutionary new category for rally monsters that required only 200 road-going versions to qualify as a production car. Lancia knew they had to create something extraordinary to take on the four-wheel-drive Audi Quattro and, later, the Peugeot 205 T16.
So what did they do? They went back to their roots. The Lancia 037 was born, based on the winning formula of the legendary Lancia Stratos: a compact coupe, mid-engine layout, lightweight construction, and pure speed-focused engineering. But there was one big issue⦠no four-wheel drive!
While Audi and Peugeot were perfecting high-tech all-wheel-drive systems, Lancia stuck to rear-wheel-drive purity. Crazy? Maybe. But in 1983, Lancia clinched the World Rally Championship title in Group B, marking the last time a rear-wheel-drive car would ever win the WRC.
A Montecarlo, But Completely Different!
The Lancia 037 was loosely based on the Lancia Montecarlo (sold as the Scorpion in North America), but in reality, the similarities ended there. The two cars shared only the central section of the bodywork, while everything else was redesigned.
Lancia took the Montecarlo chassis, rotated the transversely mounted engine by 90 degrees to a longitudinal layout, dramatically improving weight distribution. The body was completely re-engineered, featuring Kevlar panels to make it as light as possible. A steel subframe at both the front and rear enhanced rigidity and strength. While it looked like a silhouette racer, the 037 was officially sold as a standalone model.
The suspension was pure motorsport technology: double wishbones all around, with dual rear dampers to handle the extreme conditions of high-speed rallying. The ZF transaxle ensured power delivery to the rear wheels with optimal efficiency.
Italian Power with an Abarth Touch
Lancia chose a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Fiat engine, but of course, Abarth completely transformed it. Instead of a turbocharger, Lancia opted for a supercharger, eliminating turbo lag and providing instant throttle response. The Stradale version produced 205 horsepower, delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
Jean-Claude Andruet & The Chardonnet Connection
In France, Lancias were imported and sold by Andre Chardonnet, who also managed his own rally team. One of his top drivers? Jean-Claude Andruet, one of the greatest French rally drivers of his time.
His achievements include:
- French Rally Champion in 1968 & 1970
- European Rally Champion in 1970
- Winner of the Tour de France Auto (1972, 1981, 1982)
- Multiple Tour de Corse victories (1968, 1972, 1974)
- Monte Carlo Rally Winner in 1973
- Multiple 24 Hours of Le Mans entries with class wins
After racing in the Alpine A110 and later the Lancia Stratos, Andruet became the face of the Lancia 037 in the French Rally Championship from 1983 onwards. He dominated numerous events in the iconic blue-and-white Chardonnet 037, sponsored by Pioneer and Total.
The 037 We Have? Andruet's Own Car!
Now, here's where it gets interesting: this exact car was Andruet's development and reconnaissance mule. It's a fully prepared rally-spec Chardonnet 037, mechanically close to the Stradale but with subtle Chardonnet enhancements.
- Manufactured on July 29, 1983
- Officially listed in the 037 Registry as the 'Andruet mule'
- Only 10,630 km from new - completely original mileage
- Still in its original racing livery, complete with Pioneer & Total sponsor decals
And the actual rally car Andruet raced? Sadly, it no longer exists. This makes this car one of the few remaining tangible pieces of that legendary era, a true icon of Group B's golden age.
Highly Original and Recently Overhauled
With only 10,000 kilometers, this Lancia 037 is in collector-grade condition, and it shows in every detail. The correct period details are all intact, and the overall condition is outstanding.
Recently, this 037 underwent a comprehensive mechanical overhaul to ensure it remains in peak condition. The engine and gearbox have been fully rebuilt, delivering an exceptional driving experience that matches its historical significance.
Contact Us Today
Are you interested in this incredible and historically significant Lancia 037? Contact us todayâwe would be happy to assist you. Visit Gallery Aaldering, a family-run business since 1975, specializing in the world's finest classic automobiles. We have extensive experience with global exportsâinquire about international shipping options.
* Official Team Chardonnet rally car
* Owned by the famed rally Driver Jean-Claude Andruet
* Recently comprehensive overhaul of engine and gearbox
* From the collection of a dedicated collector
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