What the car is and where it came from
The Lancia Rally 037 is a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive rally and road car built by Lancia in the early 1980s. It was developed for FIA Group B competition. Pininfarina is not mentioned in connection with its design or production.
How it works, in terms someone would actually use
It is a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive rally car built for FIA Group B. Its longitudinally mounted supercharged straight-four engine drives the rear wheels only. It relies on mechanical grip and driver input, not all-wheel drive or electronic aids.
What it gets right
It gets right the balance between rally competitiveness and road legality. Its mid-engine layout delivers sharp turn-in and predictable rear-end behaviour on loose surfaces. Its lightweight construction and mechanical simplicity suit the demands of Group B rallying.
What it does not
It does not have four-wheel drive. It does not use turbocharging. It does not meet modern safety or emissions standards. It does not offer driver aids or comfort features expected in road cars today.
What it changed
It proved rear-wheel drive could still win the World Rally Championship against emerging four-wheel-drive rivals. It was the last of its kind to do so.
Who it is for, and who it is not
It is for rally historians, engineers studying mechanical drivetrain solutions, and enthusiasts who value purity of layout and purpose. It is not for daily drivers, collectors seeking turnkey usability, or those requiring modern crash protection or emissions compliance.
Is it worth your time
Yes — if you want to understand how rear-wheel-drive rally cars competed at the highest level before turbocharged four-wheel drive took over.
