"JGrabowMSt" (jgrabowmst)
07/13/2014 at 13:07 • Filed to: withoutcompromise
6
0|
"JGrabowMSt" (jgrabowmst)
07/13/2014 at 13:07 • Filed to: withoutcompromise | 6
| 0 |
It is hard to argue with the pedigree of the Lancia Stratos. Built with one uncompromising vision, the Stratos was produced to win WRC titles, and win it did. The agile, Dino V6-powered chassis went on to win three consecutive titles and in so doing captured the hearts of many enthusiasts. Phillip Toledano was one of those enthusiasts and for him, purchasing a car built with one purpose was a dream come true. As an artist, Phil has always been attracted to the Bertone wedge design and gives us a glimpse of what it is like to live with the fabled Stratos.
Drive Tastefully©
I briefly met Phil, and he even let me sit in his car. I think I was the only person genuinely excited to get a chance to. How many of these are there in the US again? Much less on the road, where you'll see and hear it? Also, someone has to say it...Subaru, you were beat the blue and gold combination, and because of that, you lost. Subies look nice with blue and gold, but look at this Lancia! Way better. The car isn't immaculate, it had bugs on it, and that's how it should be. If you can't enjoy one of these by driving the hell out of it, pass it along to someone who will.
The cabin felt real. Not in the sense that I was worried I wasn't in a Lancia or not, but in the regard that there are no frills, outside of the suction mount for his phone. It was loud, it was certainly angry, and everything felt right. Dare I say I could get used to sitting in something like that? I didn't want to roll the car forward, so I didn't really line up with the pedals, but I'm about the same height as Phil, so I'm sure the car would be a good fit for me.
Literally everything felt right about the car. The seat wasn't adjusted for me, but I could easily see out of it, and it just felt like something I'd want to have. So I get to scratch off Lancia Stratos off one of the bucket lists. I'd still love to drive one, but being able to sit in one was a great feeling. With the threat of rain, I'm really amazed and glad he decided to bring the car out. Despite being such a rare and wonderful car, he's still willing to take it out and let other people see it.
He said he found the car in Florida, had it restored, and here it is, in all of it's glory.
First pic is 1920x1080, enjoy it for your weekend wallpaper. Where is that, anyway?
Photodump of the rest of Intercar Mercedes Car and Coffee later.