The 1:18-scale Lancia Stratos HF (1979 Monte Carlo Rally Winner) by Spark is now available for pre-order. Pre-order period closes Friday, August 28, 2026. Manufacturer's estimated release date: December 2026.

The 1:18-scale Lancia Stratos HF (1979 Monte Carlo Rally Winner) by Spark is a collector-grade resin model that commemorates one of the most dramatic - and most debated - victories in World Rally Championship history. Replicating the privateer Team Chardonnet entry driven by Bernard Darniche and co-driver Alain Mahé, this highly detailed model captures the legendary rally car that proved the Stratos remained a formidable competitor long after its factory heyday.

Spark faithfully recreates the distinctive shape and aggressive stance of the Team Chardonnet Stratos, complete with its elegant French Blue livery, flared bodywork, prominent auxiliary lighting array, authentic rally details, and accurately rendered cockpit. The result is a display-worthy collectible that captures the spirit of rallying's golden era and one of the Monte Carlo Rally's most unforgettable finishes.

Orders ship from our California facility within 1–2 business days, and every purchase is protected by our 30-day return policy.

Product Overview 

Product Type: Collectible scale model car
Vehicle: Lancia 037 Rally (1983 Tour de Corse Winner)
Drivers: Markku Alén and Ilkka Kivimäki
Race: Tour de Corse rally
Color: White with Martini livery

Scale: 1:18
Approximate Length: ~10 inches (25.4 cm)
Material: Resin
Manufacturer: Spark
Item Number: 18S1209
Display: Clear acrylic display case
Condition: New in original manufacturer packaging
License: Officially licensed Lancia product

Key Collectible Features

• Premium sealed-body resin construction
• Realistic racing wheels with rubber tires
• Accurate Lancia 037 Rally bodywork
• Finely detailed auxiliary lighting and body trim
• Collector-quality paint and Martini livery graphics application
  

Historical Background: the Underdog Wins at Col di Turini

By 1979, the Lancia Stratos HF was already considered a rally legend. Factory support had largely shifted elsewhere, and many observers believed newer machinery from Ford and Fiat would dominate the Monte Carlo Rally. Yet André Chardonnet, the official Lancia importer for France, remained convinced that the Stratos was perfectly suited to the demanding combination of dry pavement, snow, ice, and mountain roads that defined Monte Carlo.

For most of the event, the rally unfolded as expected, with the works-backed Ford Escort RS1800 of Björn Waldegård appearing to hold the advantage. However, as competitors entered the rally's decisive final stages through the snow-covered mountain passes surrounding the famous Col de Turini, Darniche began an extraordinary charge. The experienced French driver extracted every ounce of performance from the aging but still razor-sharp Stratos, dramatically reducing the gap to the rally leader.

The final result remains one of the most debated endings in rally history. During the closing stages, Waldegård encountered two large boulders that had mysteriously appeared on the road, forcing him into a minor collision and a more cautious approach to the remainder of the rally. Whether the incident was simple misfortune or something more deliberate has been debated for decades. What is certain is that Darniche capitalized on the opportunity, claiming victory by just six seconds after more than 2,000 kilometers of competition.

The win became one of the last great triumphs for the Lancia Stratos and further strengthened its reputation as one of the most effective rally cars ever built. Today, the 1979 Monte Carlo-winning Team Chardonnet Stratos remains a symbol of rallying's most colorful era—an era defined by fearless drivers, unpredictable conditions, mechanical ingenuity, and stories that continue to be discussed nearly half a century later.

Frequently Asked Collector Questions

Does this model have opening parts?
No, this is a sealed resin model with no opening parts, allowing for maximum accuracy in body shape and surface fidelity.

Does it include a display case?
Yes, this model comes in a clear acrylic display case.

Is the model new?
Yes. It is brand new and unopened in Spark’s original packaging.

How quickly does it ship?
Orders ship from our California warehouse within 1–2 business days.

Who This Model Is Ideal For

• History-minded World Rally Championship fans
• Lancia owners and enthusiasts
• 1:18-scale model car collectors
• Not intended for children under 14 years - not a toy

✅ Will ship from Model Citizen Diecast's California offices upon release
✅ Secure packaging for collectors
✅ 30-day return policy