Lancia 037 Rally

The 037’s supercharged setup gave it immediate throttle response, making it ideal for twisty tarmac stages. Its lightweight construction and balanced chassis gave it exceptional handling precision, though it struggled in loose or wet conditions compared to 4WD rivals.

• 1983 WRC Manufacturers’ Champion: Lancia defeats Audi to claim the last RWD title in WRC history.
• 1983 Tour de Corse: Walter Röhrl claims victory in dominant fashion.
• 1984 Tarmac Victories: Strong results on asphalt rallies including Corsica and Sanremo with Alén and Bettega.

Though it lacked consistency on gravel and snow, the 037 was a tarmac specialist. Its success in the early Group B years showcased how a lightweight, well-engineered RWD car could still compete at the highest level — if only briefly.

Precise, sharp, and brutally honest — the 037 demanded technique and bravery. Without the safety net of AWD, drivers had to commit fully on corner entry and balance the car using throttle and steering finesse. It excelled in the hands of masters like Walter Röhrl, who could exploit its razor-sharp feedback and unfiltered response. But it punished mistakes and required dry, stable conditions to truly shine.