1970 Lancia (Bertone) Stratos HF Zero

1970 Lancia (Bertone) Stratos HF Zero Marcello Gandini (Italian, born 1938), designer Gruppo Bertone, Italian, founded 1912, fabricator Lancia Automobiles S.p.A., Italian, founded 1906, producer Collection of XJ Wang, New York, New York At the 1970 Salone dell&di Torino (Turin Automobile Show), Carrozzeria Bertone unveiled a very low, sharply chieseled coupe just a few months after the Ferrari (Pininfarina) 512 S Modulo debuted in Geneva.Designed by Marcello Gandini under the direction of Nuccio Bertone, the Zero was the firm&contribution to the era&battle for the ultimate wedge. The Zero is extremely close to the ground and appears to slice through the air. While the Modulo was a low thirty-seven inches high, the Zero was a mere thirty-three inches and trumped the competition. Complementing the Zero&dramatically low stance and aiding its unconventional nature, the cockpit is positioned far forward, with twin seats locked between the front wheels. The steering column moves forward to provide accessibility to the cabin. Simultaneously, a hydraulic mechanism opens the wide Perspex windshield, which was the car&only entry point, as there are no doors. Inside, occupants could see directly ahead and above - and little else. Due to these extreme design features, the Zero still apears as otherworldly today as it did in 1970.