The 1970 Lancia Stratos Zero Prototype by Marcello Gandini: An Iconic Design of the 70s

The car was a futuristic design that would set the tone for many of the sports cars of the 1970s. Its wedge-shaped design, complete with gull-wing doors, made it an iconic car that is still remembered today.

The Lancia Stratos Zero was first introduced at the Turin Motor Show in 1970. It was not a functional car, but rather a design study that showcased the abilities of the Bertone design house. The car was based on a shortened Lancia Fulvia chassis and was powered by a Fulvia V4 engine. The car was designed to be low and sleek, with a sloping front and a flat roof that tapered towards the back. The front of the car was dominated by a narrow grille and small headlights, while the rear featured a pair of round taillights.

One of the most striking features of the Lancia Stratos Zero was its gull-wing doors. The doors opened upwards and forwards, making it easier to get in and out of the car. The doors were hinged at the front and rear of the car, and were operated by electric motors. The roof of the car was also made of glass, giving the driver and passengers a clear view of the sky above.

The interior of the Lancia Stratos Zero was equally futuristic. The seats were integrated into the car’s structure, and were made of a lightweight material. The dashboard was also integrated into the car’s structure, and featured a central instrument cluster that was angled towards the driver. The steering wheel was also futuristic, with a squared-off design that gave the driver a better grip.

The Lancia Stratos Zero was an instant hit at the Turin Motor Show. The car’s futuristic design captured the imagination of the public, and it was praised for its boldness and innovation. However, the car was not without its critics. Some felt that the car was too radical, and that its design was not practical for everyday use.

Despite this, the Lancia Stratos Zero had a lasting impact on the automotive industry. Its wedge-shaped design became a hallmark of the sports cars of the 1970s, and it inspired a number of other cars, including the Lamborghini Countach and the Lotus Esprit. The car’s gull-wing doors also became a popular feature, and were later used on a number of other cars, including the DeLorean DMC-12.

After its debut at the Turin Motor Show, the Lancia Stratos Zero was shown at a number of other auto shows around the world. The car was also featured in a number of films, including “The Car” and “The Man with the Golden Gun”. However, the car was never put into production, and only one prototype was ever built.

Today, the Lancia Stratos Zero is considered a classic of automotive design. The car’s wedge-shaped design and gull-wing doors have made it an icon of the 1970s, and it is still admired by car enthusiasts around the world. The car is now housed in the Bertone design house museum in Turin, Italy, where it can be seen by visitors from around the world.

In conclusion, the Lancia Stratos Zero is a prototype car that has become an icon of automotive design. Its wedge-shaped design and gull-wing doors were ahead of their time