Lancia expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Sandro Munari, a central figure in the Brand’s sporting history and a leading protagonist of the rally era of the 1970s, who passed away over the weekend. He was 85 and would have turned 86 on March 27.
With Lancia, Munari wrote some of the most important chapters in the history of world rallying. In 1972, he claimed victory at the Rallye Monte-Carlo driving the Fulvia Coupé HF. Between 1975 and 1977, he secured 3 consecutive wins at Monte-Carlo with the Stratos, playing a decisive role in establishing Lancia as an international benchmark in road competitions.
In 1977, he became the first Italian driver to win the FIA Drivers’ Cup, further consolidating the Brand’s position among the elite of global motorsport.
In 1973, Munari was offered the opportunity to compete in a Formula 1 Grand Prix in South Africa. He chose instead to continue his career in rallying, the discipline to which he remained devoted throughout his life, contributing with professionalism, technical sensitivity and team spirit to the growth and identity of Lancia’s sporting legacy.
From his early years with Flavia and Fulvia, to the legendary Stratos season, and later experiences with the Fiat 131 and in cross-country rally competitions, Munari embodied consistency and dedication, becoming a reference point for generations of drivers and enthusiasts.
“Sandro Munari was one of the most authoritative symbols of our sporting history,” said Roberta Zerbi, CEO of Lancia. “His victories helped make Lancia the most successful brand in the history of rallying. In the very year in which we have officially returned to the World Championship with our programme in the WRC2, his example stands as a concrete reference of expertise, vision and passion. We are deeply grateful to him.”
“Lancia owes a great deal to Munari,” added Eugenio Franzetti, Director of Lancia Corse HF. “His achievements with the official Fulvia 1600 HF 1.6 Coupé Gr. 4 – still perfectly preserved today in the Lancia Historic Collection – remain a technical and human heritage of extraordinary value. With that car he won the Rallye Monte-Carlo in 1972, opening an unforgettable chapter for the Brand.”
The passing of Sandro Munari marks the loss of a true protagonist of Italian and international motorsport. His legacy remains an integral part of Lancia’s sporting identity, as the Brand embarks on a new competitive chapter looking to the future in the spirit of a tradition built on excellence.
