Milan’s Palazzo Serbelloni will be the picturesque backdrop for the auction of a piece of automobile history on 15 June 2021, when the prototype model 1980 Lancia 037 goes under the hammer.

The sale, which is being held on the eve of Mille Miglia and will include 25-30 vehicles, is organised by RM Sotheby’s and Sotheby’s Milan. Racing enthusiasts will know that the Lancia 037 was the last rear-wheel-drive car to win the World Rally Championship. It was the successor to Lancia’s three-time WRC-winning Stratos model – itself a legend in rallycross history.

The vehicle in the sale is chassis SE037-001 – the first prototype for the Lancia Rally 037. It was commissioned to be constructed by Dallara before final assembly and development at Abarth’s factory, under the watchful eye of Sergio Limone.

SE037-001 Lancia 037 was driven extensively by Markku Alen, Adartico Vudafieri and Giorgio Pianta, and after its retirement in 1982, it became part of Limone’s private collection. Limone restored the prototype to its original development specifications, including a 1,995 cc supercharged engine.

Of course, provenance charges a premium: the 1980 Lancia 037 prototype has an estimate of €700,000-€900,000, though it could well sell for more. Spectators can watch the auction in the courtyard of Palazzo Serbelloni as a live stream on 15 June, with in-person attendance limited.

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