Hasegawa CR32 1/24 Lancia Stratos HF [1977 Monte Carlo Rally Winner]

The Lancia Stratos was developed as the world's first purpose-built car, an innovative mid-engine machine with front and rear FRP cowls.
As the power competition in 1970s rallies intensified, winning required a lightweight, compact machine with superior maneuverability.
Lancia abandoned the idea of building a rally car based on a production car and instead developed the Stratos solely with the goal of winning the WRC title for the first time.
Bertone unveiled the original Stratos at the Turin Auto Show in November 1970, and presented Lancia with a second prototype car featuring a mid-engine layout in November 1971. The following year, the prototype participated in various events, further refining its design before entering the WRC. Production of the Stratos began in October 1973, and it received Group 4 homologation in October 1974, immediately making its debut in the San Remo Rally, the fifth round of the WRC. The Stratos maintained its lead throughout the race, demonstrating overwhelming performance and winning its debut race, securing the season's manufacturers' title. In 1975, when the car entered the rally scene in earnest, Italian airline Alitalia became its main sponsor, and it won the 1975 manufacturers' title . Its strength continued in 1976, achieving the remarkable feat of winning the manufacturers' title for the third consecutive year, and it also set a brilliant record by winning the opening race in Monte Carlo three years in a row from 1975 to 1977 , making the Lancia Stratos one of the most representative rally cars of the 1970s.