Lancia LC2

About this model

1982 saw the debut of the FISA’s new Group C class for their World Endurance Championship. Replacing both Groups 5 and 6, with a focus on limiting fuel Consumption, Group C would utter one of the most iconic generations for sportscar endurance racing.

As many teams weren’t ready with fresh models to race, the FISA allowed Group 6 cars to participate for the inauguration year. Lancia, therefore, used their small, nimble LC1.

The first problem faced in developing a replacement was the engine. The LC1 used a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that was nowhere near as economical as required, and Lancia had no other applicable engine in-house. Turning to their colleagues at Ferrari, Lancia commissioned a 2.6-litre turbocharged V6, dubbed the 262C. This was derived from the Dino V8 family of engines, designed by Nicola Materazzi and later modified by Lancia Corse under the guide of Francesco De Virgilio.

The bodywork of the new LC2 derived from that of the previous model, featuring the rule-mandated space for two seats and, due to time and budget constraints, epoxy-bonded Avional aluminium instead of a carbon-based composite. Despite being permitted two metres in width, the body measured just 1.8 metres, the thinking being that the lower surface area would reduce drag and increase the top speed, at the cost of mechanical grip and downforce from the underbody venturi tunnels.

Debuting for the 1983 season, the LC2’s best results came with a victory at Imola, and two second places at Mugello and Kyalami, respectively. The season was littered with retirements, with failures including the engine, gearbox and driveshaft, and, although a specific issue couldn’t be identified, the LC2 showed pace.

For 1984, the Works entries received a larger, 3-litre engine, and the bodywork was altered. Management and driver changes saw Bob Wollek sign onto the team, but the season was still lukewarm at best. Two third-place finishes (Monza, Nürburgring) and a second (Kyalami) were achieved, and although a Lancia-dominated front row offered a glimmer of hope at Le Mans, mechanical failures saw two of the three cars retire.

1985 brought new rivals with Jaguar and the Mercedes-backed Sauber. The LC2 now received two metre-wide bodywork, Michelin-supplied tyres and a reinforcement of the engine and transmission. Two third-place finishes opened the season, followed by a sixth and seventh at Le Mans, and then a win at Spa, the tragic race where Stefan Bellof lost his life.

1986 was abandoned early after Giocomo Maggi’s fatal accident during testing. This was preceded by another fatal crash, that of Henri Toivonen and Sergio Cresto in the Lancia Delta S4. Despite privateer efforts, this was the end of Lancia’s involvement in sportscar racing.

In total, seven chassis were built by the works team, with one going to Mirabella racing. Three others were built by Gianni Mussato at Dallara Automobili (one to replace a destroyed works chassis and two to be raced following Lancia’s 1986 departure) and a final one constructed out of spares by Toni Auto. The first factory chassis is the only ‘narrow-body’ example remaining.

(In collaboration with @carhistorian)

About design

On the floor to the right of the driver's seat