Few rally cars have achieved the legendary status of the Lancia Stratos. With its dramatic wedge-shaped body, mid-mounted Ferrari V6, and remarkable competition history, it’s one of Italy’s most celebrated performance machines to this day.
Now, a small Italian manufacturer wants to revive some of that magic with a modern sports car. Angelelli Automobili has unveiled plans for the Tipo 829, a lightweight, mid-engined machine inspired by the Stratos.
The Tipo 829 name itself is a direct reference to Lancia’s famous rally car, which carried the same internal project designation. However, Angelelli isn’t simply attempting to recreate the original design.
Instead, the company envisions three distinct versions, each developed for a different driving environment. The project also carries a personal connection to legendary engineer Nicola Materazzi, whose career included work on the Ferrari F40.
A Modern Tribute To The Lancia Stratos
The Tipo 829 is expected to feature a mid-mounted engine paired with all-wheel drive. Angelelli Automobili’s own website states that it’ll be available with both four- and six-cylinder engines, with displacement measuring 2,000 to 3,200 cc, which should be good for 420 to 500 hp.
Its construction centers on a lightweight tubular chassis developed using advanced digital engineering and additive manufacturing. Angelelli intends to use 3D-printed structural components to optimize rigidity while minimizing unnecessary weight.
Visually, the Tipo 829 features a low nose, pronounced rear haunches, large air intakes, and dramatic upward-opening doors. Its proportions evoke classic Italian supercars while incorporating contemporary aerodynamic details.
Three Versions For Three Different Purposes
The Tipo 829 Terra is the rally-inspired version, designed for gravel roads, hill climbs, and challenging mountain routes. It features increased ground clearance, longer suspension travel, and dedicated damping characteristics intended to improve traction on uneven surfaces.
Meanwhile, the Strada prioritizes road driving, with lower suspension, firmer damping, and more restrained aerodynamic styling. Its development focuses on delivering responsive handling without sacrificing everyday usability.
The Pista takes the opposite approach, emphasizing circuit performance through aggressive aerodynamics, reduced weight, and a dedicated suspension setup. Angelelli also intends to increase engine output, although specific figures haven’t been announced.
A Project With A Special Engineering Legacy
According to founder Davide Angelelli, the Tipo 829 represents the final chapter of a trilogy conceived during seven years of collaboration with Nicola Materazzi. The renowned engineer helped develop the Ferrari F40 and worked on competition versions of the original Lancia Stratos.
The earlier projects, Hintegrale and Effequaranta, similarly reinterpret celebrated Italian performance cars. All three share an emphasis on lightweight construction, mechanical simplicity, and driver involvement.
Will The Tipo 829 Actually Reach Production?
Despite the promising concept, the Tipo 829 is still in development, with no confirmed production schedule or pricing. Angelelli’s earlier projects have also yet to establish a production track record.
The company has presented the Terra as the first version intended to progress toward customer commissions. Whether the ambitious three-model program becomes reality is yet to be seen, but its rally-inspired philosophy certainly makes it an intriguing prospect.