The final road-ready
version of the recreated Lancia Stratos was handed over
to its owner last week during a ceremony held at the
Pininfarina factory in Turin where the dramatic sports
car project was developed and conceived.
"Draped in black cloth,
the New Stratos stood waiting in a Pininfarina
production hall for its new owner. Work on the details –
painting, polishing, etc – had been underway up until
the final hour. Now, at handover time, the automobile,
the recreation of a legend, was near perfect."
"A big kudos is due to
the Pininfarina team, which after two years of hard work
delivered a perfect car," says the official website.
"Only upon reviewing the comprehensive photo
documentation, can the amount of work that’s gone into
the construction of this one-off vehicle be truly
appreciated. Right down to the very last detail the
finish is exceptional for an one-off car.
"Engineers and
technicians take the New Stratos for a few further short
test drives around the Italian design company to make
absolutely sure everything is in perfect working order.
Adjustments are made once more; final details optimized.
Then, at last, the glasses are raised, words of thanks
exchanged, and the obligatory handover celebration goes
on late into the night.
"The following morning,
the time has come: the New Stratos sets course for its
new home – and although the highway isn’t the racecar’s
preferred territory, it delivers some real driving
pleasure right off the bat, on the first entry ramp. In
the coming days, the sports car will add several miles
to the 3,000 test kilometers it clocked up in recent
months at various racetracks and handling circuits.
Final performance figures have to be determined,
objective measurements transformed into verifiable data.
After all, there are only a few more weeks to go until
the New Stratos’ presentation to the international press
at the Paul Ricard Circuit." In a week's time.
