I love this shot because it shows the public’s reaction to the Stratos Zero. The Stratos Zero is just 33.3 inches tall.
The iconic Stratos Zero concept car was designed by Bertone without Lancia’s knowledge, to get their attention and win their business. Pininfarina was Lancia’s default designer, and theywere known for their elegant designs. Bertone had just designed the Alfa Romeo Carabo, the original wedge car, and the Lamborghini Miura. The Stratos Zero stole the show when it was revealed at the Turin Motor Show in October 1970. Lancia noticed, and eventually asked Bertone to bring the Stratos Zero to their factory in Turin. Unlike most concept cars, the Stratos Zero was a drivable car, powered by a Lancia Fulvia V4 engine. So Nuccio Bertone decided to drive the Stratos Zero there on public roads, accompanied by a beautiful blue Alfa Romeo Giulia, another Bertone design.
It’s hard to imagine any car getting this kind of attention from the public today, but the people in this photo would have never seen anything like it before.
Thankfully, someone brought a camera, resulting in some amazing photos that capture the Italian public’s reaction to the wildest car ever seen on the roads of Turin. These photos have only become cooler with time, because the Italian public is still so stylish, and the car designs of the time have aged equally well. This was before supercars were on the road in any meaningful numbers, and the average person was probably unaware that anything like the Stratos Zero existed. Compared with today’s public, the people of Turin in 1971 would have been shocked to see a car like it.
The Stratos Zero was even driven on the Autostrada.
The story often goes that Nuccio Bertone drove the Stratos Zero under the factory gate, but in reality, he waited for the guard to open it, even though he could have easily driven under it. The noise of the unmuffled Stratos Zero summoned the racing staff from their offices. It’s safe to say the Stratos Zero made the impression that Bertone wanted. The meeting with Lancia was a success, and both parties agreed to build the world’s first purpose-built rally car, the Stratos HF.
