• The 22nd of 217 examples produced
• Surely one of the lowest mileage examples in existence, displaying just 3,300 km. (2,050 mi.) at time of cataloguing
• Exceptionally well preserved throughout
• Accompanied by a copy of its Italian libretto

For the 1982 season, the FIA would change its car classification system from numbers to letters, with the rally championship to be contested by the newly created Group B. Homologation required 200 examples, and while that quantity was manageable, the announcement of the new rules left scant time to develop an entirely new rally car. So Lancia turned to the “modular” approach used for the Beta Montecarlo Turbo, which utilized the central monocoque tub of the production Montecarlo, with engine and suspension carried on tubular subframes front and rear. The new rally car would be given a new rear subframe that would allow its engine to be reoriented longitudinally. To improve throttle response, instead of a turbo, the 037 was fitted with a Roots-type “Volumex” supercharger. The new car, officially named simply “Rally,” was introduced to the public in March 1982. It was homologated on 1 April 1982, by which time 207 examples had been completed.

The 1982 season was one of development. But in the hands of drivers like Walter Röhrl, Markku Alén, and Attilo Bettega, the 037 Rally won the Monte Carlo Rallye, Tour de Corse, Acropolis, New Zealand and Sanremo on its way to winning the 1983 World Rally Championship—Lancia’s fifth rally championship and the last WRC title by any two-wheel-drive car.

As documented in the Italian Cronologico, chassis number 022 was first registered with plate number PA 733158 on 24 May 1984 to Francesco Pio Bignardi from Palermo, Sicily. The Bignardi family is well known in Italian rally circles, but 022 remained a road-going example and was not used in competition. Carlo Pungetti of Bologna purchased the car in 2005, but never registered it for road use, instead it remained warehoused with the rest of his collection.

In 2015, the car was sold to Germany and was subsequently acquired by the consignor in 2019. Today, chassis number 022 remains unrestored and in fine order throughout. It presents a rare opportunity to acquire an important Group B homologation special in carefully preserved condition.

Please note that due to California emissions, this vehicle must be sold to a dealer or out-of-state resident.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo23.