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  Lancia LC1      

  Article Image gallery (42) Chassis (4) Specifications  
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Country of origin:Italy
Produced in:1982
Numbers built:4
Predecessor:Lancia Beta Montecarlo Turbo
Successor:Lancia LC2
Author:Wouter Melissen
Last updated:July 26, 2012
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Click here to download printer friendly versionLancia returned to sports car racing for the first time in over decades towards the end of the 1970s. In the previous years, the Italian manufacturer had been very successful in rallying with cars like the Fulvia and the Stratos. The new effort featured a silhouette 'Group 5' sports racer based on the Monte Carlo road car. Encouraged by its success, Lancia decided to produce a full-bore 'Group 6' prototype for the 1982 season.

Although stepping up to Group 6 seemed a natural step forward, the introduction of the Group C class rendered the Group 6 cars virtually obsolete for 1982. In order to ensure full grids, the earlier cars were allowed to compete in the World Championship events but as a compromise the points only counted for the driver's and not for the constructor's championship. It remains subject of debate whether Lancia were fortunate to run their new LC1 at all or whether they were well aware of the loophole. Either way, it was clear from the outset that the car could run for only one season in its original form.

For the development and construction of the chassis Lancia once again partnered with local specialists Dallara. They penned a straightforward aluminium monocoque with double wishbone suspension on all four corners. The rear-end featured a separate sub-frame to locate the suspension components. The LC1 was clothed in a very slippery, open body. The airflow was only interrupted by a single central intake in the nose for the front-mounted radiator. Benefiting from the interim regulations, the LC1 also featured ground-effect aerodynamics with tunnels running on either side of the cockpit.

Like the Group 5 Monte Carlo, the new LC1 was powered by a diminutive turbocharged engine. With a swept volume of 1,425.8 cc and taking in account the 1.4 equivalency factor for turbo engines, the straight four qualified for the two-litre class. This in turn allowed the LC1 to run at a very low minimum weight. Thanks to the KKK-supplied turbocharger, the engine produced 430 bhp in race trim and as much as 460 bhp with the boost at 1.65 bar for qualifying. Tipping the scales at just 140 kg, the compact 'four' was mated to a Hewland TG 300, five-speed gearbox.

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  Article Image gallery (42) Chassis (4) Specifications