- One of the four Lancia LC2/83 Group C cars, completely restored

- The first LC2 built

- One of the most brilliant cars of its time

- Eligible for all the major historic events open to Group C cars

- One of the most iconic cars in Group C

The car we are offering for sale is exceptional, as it is the first Lancia LC2 built, itself the only true Italian Group C car. After the open-cockpit LC1 sports car, a transitional model developed from the Beta Montecarlo which achieved excellent results in Group 6 in 1982, Lancia decided to develop a prototype that met the requirements for Group C, with closed bodywork and respecting the limits on fuel consumption. The LC2 that emerged had a complex light-alloy structure designed and built by Dallara, fitted with Kevlar and carbon-fibre bodywork, the aerodynamics of which had been extensively studied to optimise the ground effect. Above all, its engine marked a radical departure from the 2-litre 4-cylinder fitted to the LC1 and was taken from the Ferrari 308 GTBi Quattrovalvole (indeed, the car was known as the ‘Ferrari-Lancia’ at the start of its career). It was modified by Abarth, who reduced its displacement to 2.6 litres and fitted two KKK turbochargers, raising the power output to 700bhp at 9000rpm. This was later increased to 3 litres, to produce 800bhp, more than the formidable Porsche 956s. In its famous Martini Racing colours with red and blue stripes, the Lancia LC2 was both light and powerful, making it one of the fastest cars on the grid, as could be seen from the 398kph (247mph) it reached in 1985 on the Hunaudières straight, which had no chicanes at the time. Unfortunately, the LC2 suffered from reliability issues which prevented it from obtaining results to match its qualities. Lancia entrusted the car to the top endurance drivers, including Alessandro Nannini, Ricardo Patrese, Piercarlo Ghinzani, Michele Alboreto, Teo Fabi, Mauro Baldi and Andreas de Cesaris, as well as the French drivers Jean-Claude Andruet and Henri Pescarolo, and it nonetheless won three races during its career in Group C: at Imola in 1983, at Kyalami in 1984 and at Spa-Francorchamps in 1985.

The LC2 made its competition debut in April 1983 at the 1000 Kilometres of Monza, with ninth place for Patrese and Alboreto. The 24 Hours of Le Mans ended with the LC2s retiring, despite posting the second-fastest time in qualifying, and their best results during the season were a win at Imola in October and second places at Mugello and Kyalami. The following year, the LC2 achieved an encouraging third place in the first round at Monza, followed by a further third place at the Nürburgring, but it would be the end of the season before Lancia took the first two places at Kyalami. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans Lancia made progress compared to 1983, with Wollek and Nannini’s LC2 starting on pole and setting a lap record during the race, which it led in the early hours of the morning, before suffering from gearbox problems which relegated it to eighth place. But at least it made it over the finish line! 1985 was the last full official season for the LC2 and was again dominated by Porsche, but as well as a win at Spa, Lancia achieved three third places (Monza, Silverstone and Brands Hatch) and two LC2s crossed the line at Le Mans, finishing sixth (Wollek-Nannini-Cesario) and seventh (Pescarolo-Baldi).

In truth, the sports prototype never benefitted from the development work needed to overcome its reliability issues, but it remains one of the most brilliant and fascinating cars of its time.

The car we are offering for sale is the first LC2 chassis ever built, from the seven works cars produced. It took part in testing for the 1000 Kilometres of Monza in April 1983 but came off the track following a burst tyre when Ghinzani was driving, and did not compete in the actual race. It was next seen in June at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Nannini, Andruet and Barilla, with the task in qualifying not of setting the fastest time, but of performing endurance tests. During the race, it was forced to retire during the 13th hour due to a turbocharger failure.

After its competition career, the car became part of Yoshijuki Hayashi’s collection. It has been given completely restored and is in superb condition, with its flowing body built around a complex structure, cockpit worthy of a fighter jet, impressive twin-turbo engine, famous Martini colours and the racing number 6 from Le Mans in 1983, together with the names of its drivers in the race. Sold with a certificate of authenticity from Lancia Classiche, it is ready to take part in the events open to Group C cars, and in particular, it is eligible for Le Mans Classic, the Group C Racing Series by Peter Auto, the Gulf Historic GP Revival, the Masters Endurance Legends USA, the HSR Daytona Classic 24 Hours, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the HSR Classic 12 Hour at Sebring. A complete crack test of the car, dating from February 2025, has just been carried out by ITC. Ready to race and supplied with a set of slicks, this car represents an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a genuine works Lancia Group C, which left its mark on its era thanks to its extraordinary performance and will continue to uphold the honour of the marque at historic events.

Photos © Kevin Van Campenhout