Stunning Kit Car: 2012 Hawk HF3000

Although Lancia barely registers in the new car landscape, the company once produced some giant-killing models for the World Rally Championship. They included the Fulvia, the 037, and the Delta Integrale. The Stratos carried all before it from 1974 until 1976, winning the World Rally Championship and the 1974 Targa Florio. This 2012 Hawk HF3000 is a fitting tribute from the Kit Car world. It presents exceptionally well and has a genuine 1,531 miles on the clock. It is ready to head to a new home with someone who enjoys genuine driving machines. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Araknid78 for spotting the Hawk listed here at Car & Classic in Northwood, Greater London, UK. The bidding has reached £25,000, which is below the reserve.

Lancia followed a different path when developing the Stratos. It traditionally contracted Pininfarina for the design and styling, but Bertone approached the company with a proposal to replace the aging Fulvia in the World Rally Championship. Lancia liked what it saw, and the first cars left the factory in 1973. Original examples command healthy six-figure prices, which is where Hawk stepped into the frame. Located in Frant, East Sussex, the company produces replicas of the Cobra in 289 and 427 form, and developed an accurate kit for the Stratos. It adopted a “total” approach, delivering a bespoke chassis, a complete body tub, and the suspension and other components so buyers could build a roller. The builder could choose from kits for five “standard” engines, although Hawk offers a tailoring service if a customer wants something unique. The original owner built this HF3000 in 2012, with the seller as its third owner. It presents nicely in dazzling Giallo Yellow, featuring spoilers and scoops designed to provide downforce and feed cold air to the motor. The paint retains a healthy shine, with no evidence of significant cosmetic shortcomings. The image gallery paints a positive picture, confirming that the car is rust-free. The glass is clear, and the Campagnolo alloy wheels have only a few light marks.

The original Stratos featured a mid-mounted 2.4-liter Lancia V6, delivering a relatively modest 190hp. That doesn’t sound spectacular, but the car’s diminutive dimensions and low curb weight made it an effective rally weapon that humbled some pretty potent opposition. This Hawk stays true to the original design philosophy, though its 3.0-liter V6 is an Alfa Romeo powerplant. It sends its power to the road via a five-speed manual transaxle, while the four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes provide a “total” driving experience. The seller says this classic has covered only 1,531 miles since the build ended, and I suspect the included comprehensive documentation can confirm that. It recently received new clutch master and slave cylinders, new fuel hoses, and has covered only forty miles since a complete service. It is a turnkey proposition that should be a blast to drive on twisting roads.

Trimmed in two-tone Blue Alcantara, the Hawk’s interior is tidy, without being remarkable. The seats have no significant outer bolster wear, and the dash is excellent. The seller notes a dirty mark on the passenger seat and general carpet dirtiness, and it is unclear whether a deep clean would address these shortcomings. A few loose wires also need attention, but the leather Lancia wheel is in good condition. The interior is purposeful, with some luxury touches. The air conditioning needs a recharge, but the power windows and power mirrors appear to work as they should.

The Lancia Stratos proved that cars don’t need mountains of power and torque to taste motorsport success. It scored its three WRC titles while powered by a 2.4-liter V6, which only needed to move around 2,000 lbs. This 2012 Hawk HF3000 is a fitting tribute to one of rallying’s most iconic models and, as the seller rightly states, a genuine Stratos would lighten your wallet by around £500,000. This Hawk will recreate the driving experience for a fraction of that figure, and has already attracted eight bids. It will be fascinating to monitor the listing to see whether it finds a new home, and what someone is willing to pay for this sweet little classic.