Stratos Kit Car?

dlindemann

Dave Lindemann

Lifetime Supporter
Kevin -
I have to start off by saying that I've never seen a Kawk Stratos in person so take the following for what it's worth. I looked into buying one pretty seriously a couple of years ago and have all of the promotional info. A couple of thoughts - many of the parts are more easily obtained in Europe though I think Hawk Cars can supply many (all?) of them. The Stratos is a VERY cool car but it does have a very short wheelbase which can be somewhat uncomfortable (twitchy) to drive on the road. From everything I've read the interior is also a bit tight. I encourage you to do your research and have fun with the process. I think a Stratos would be an amazing car to build and own - just be sure it's what you are looking for.
Regards,
Dave L
 
D

Dalton Veitch

Kevin,

The original Lancia Stratos, of which the Hawk is a replica, had a Ferrari Dino 246 mid-mounted engine, a short wheel base (as Dave says), all in a light car solely for the purpose of winning rallies. Apparently you could throw it all over the road as necessary to get you round the rally course. Extremely fast in its day. Also tight inside, with windows that pivoted down into the doors, and door pockets big enough to hold helmets.
I haven't seen a Hawk either, although there are supposed to be some here in Australia. This car is one of my all time favourite shapes, along with the GT40, Lamborghini Miura, Ferrari P4, and a few others.
 
gt40fran

Fran Hall RCR

I had a Stratos replica...not a Hawk though...a Napier sport....its one of my favourite cars of all time...I built an 037 Rallye replica also...

If people think building a GT40 and getting the details correct is time consuming...then the Stratos is a whole new world...

There is a new company in the UK building a very nice new version with more upto date engineering and fabrication...Lister Bell is their name...tell John I sent you along.
 
W

Frank Catt

I have driven a Hawk Stratos, including a lot of track time at Goodwood, scariest thing I have ever driven and gave me the biggest high speed spin I ever had, definately not a car I would own. Frank
 
9

Graham T

Fabulous car and incredibly nimble.

Have raced against one of them over a couple of seasons, including Spa, and when set-up correctly, as Roger Donnan had done with his, it was a gem.

Scarce vehicle and a welcome addition to any grid or owner.

Graham.
 
M

Mark

A stunning car and definately one for the 'Dream Garage' Collection :thumbsup:

Is it me, or are the only truely sexy cars ever designed, the ones that were designed for a single puprose, without compromise?

Therefore, like many of the cars we all here seem to love, you would need to forgive the Stratos for any short-comings as no appologies should be necessary.

Build or buy one if you truly love it, otherwise admire it from a-far.
 
F

Kevin L

Thanks all, looks like a heck of a car and the Top Gear segment is what actually turned me on to them; the replicas of course.

I am not giving up on the GT40 dream but it does look like a car that would be an utter blast. One thinks a Ford Duratec with turbos (if that would fit) or even a K series Honda motor with a supercharger would make it run like a bat out of he!!.

Yes... I understand they used Ferrari engines and it might be blasphemy to not put an Italian beast in there; eh, it is a replica.
 
K

Keith

Moderator
The Alfa v6 3.0 'Cloverleaf' engine would knock your socks right off in this package and be totally correct as from the same stable. Apart from the 917, Mazda 4 rotor, Gt40 4.7 with 180 exhaust, XJ13, and BRM V16, one of my very very favourite exhaust sounds and loads of power to boot.
 
K

Keith

Moderator
You're one lucky bugger Frank, I would love to have taken that for a "spin" :laugh:

For some strange reason, Goodwood was always Good to me. I have had several AMOC FTD's there (not in an Aston though) and IIRC I think they eventually "discouraged" me from entering again as I had nicked all their best silverware :)

Same happened at Brighton & Hove Motor Club Sprint.... Old Jim Tiller (Allard) didn't take much of a shine to me either 'cos I stole his cup too! (Frost Trophy?)

Sorry for slight thread drift, but the Stratos is one car I would have loved to have thrashed around the tarmac as I believe it to have a similar polar moment of intertia to a go kart = great fun. :)
 
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