The early 1970s saw the introduction of the World Rally Championship, initially for manufacturers only, with key brands competing such as Lancia, Fiat, Alpine-Renault, Opel, and Ford. Fast forward to today, as the 2024 Silver Fern Rally gets underway on Saturday, and we have two key marque that potentially could be fighting for overall honours. A lone Lancia Stratos will be up against nearly 30 Ford Escorts competing over seven days across the South Island.
A little-known fact is the Lancia marque still holds more World Rally Championship Manufacturers’ titles than any other brand. And that is despite not competing in the since 1992.
The Stratos is a genuine factory Group 4 car originally run by Lancia and now owned and raced by Philip Kadoorie from the UK.
He’ll be up against the likes of Robbie Stokes (Ford Escort Mk2), Deane Buist (Ford Escort Mk2), Ally Mackay (Ford Escort Mk1), Jeff Judd (Ford Escort Mk2) and Merion Evans (Ford Escort Mk2).
Lancia won three consecutive WRC manufacturers’ titles with the Stratos in 1974-76 before its owner, Fiat, decided to run the Fiat 131 Abarth, wining the 1977 and 78 titles. Ford finally won their first title with the Mk2 Escort RS1800 in 1979.
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