Reimagining an iconic classic can be a tricky business. Luckily, more than a few studios have proven they can pull it off. Kimera automobile’s creation is the latest example of how an icon can be not only reimagined but also improved. The studio’s meticulous approach, derived from motorsports, has resulted in a tribute to one of the greatest rally cars ever made – the Lancia 037. Preceded by the legendary Stratos and succeeded by the mighty Delta HF Integrale, the 037 is part of Lancia’s glorious past. Just like the Lancia New Stratos and the Lancia Delta Futurista Coupe, the Kimera EVO37 is a love letter to the brand’s better days.

What is the Kimera EVO37?

As you can tell from the images, however, almost nothing has been left untouched. The purpose of this custom build is to take something iconic from the past and utilize its full potential. It’s still the good ol’ Lancia 037 rally car, but remade, using new restoration techniques. In this regard, the EVO37 is very similar to the Ferrari 330 reimagined by Bell & Sport Classics. } However, instead of keeping it as authentic as possible, the guys at Kimera Automobili enhanced certain aspects of the car, while still retaining the original feel of the car.

Drivetrain

Just like the original 1980s Lancia 037, the engine is a 2.1-liter twin-charged inline-four. The original 2.1-liter Abarth unit was completely rebuilt and beefed up. True to the original car, the four-pot once gain featured a supercharger and a turbocharger for better response and linear power delivery.

To put things in perspective, the original 037 Stradale put out 205 horsepower (153 kilowatts) and 170 pound-feet (230 Nm). This allowed for a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 142 mph (229 km/h).

All that goes to the rear wheels, through an old-school manual transmission, just like in the original Lancia 037. Even the engine’s longitudinal position is the same as it was in the original classic.

The quadrilateral suspension has been enhanced by Öhlins and the stopping power has been entrusted to Brembo. The power's transition to the ground is made easier by oversized Pirelli tires that wrap around bespoke lightweight forged wheels. To top it all off, Bonetto Cv was responsible for the car's setup.

The chassis, which is essentially a Lancia Beta Monte-Carlo, has been substantially reinforced, so it can take the extra power like a champ, without any flex whatsoever.

Bodywork

Although the car largely looks the same, nothing was left untouched. The original shape of the 037 was kept as it was, but while the original car’s panels were made from fiberglass, the EVO37 benefits from an even lighter carbon fiber body.

As a result of the carbon fiber diet, the EVO37 is not just substantially more powerful than the 037, but also lighter. Whilst the original classic has a curb weight of 2,564 pounds (1,163 kg), the Kimera weighs just 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg). This makes the EVO37 is almost as light as Group B 037’s 2,116-pound (960 kg) curb weight.

The car does feature some modern elements. In addition to the new forged rims, the car has new LED headlights and taillights, probably in order to be road-worthy. From every other angle, however, this is the original 037, we all know and love.

We think the shade of red chosen here is the perfect color, although other exterior finishes will be offered to the few lucky customers, who have been chosen.

Exclusivity and Price

The Kimera EVO37 will be officially presented at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. The price for each one is $588,000 or €480,000. We know that the future owners, who have already secured their slots were specially chosen car collectors from all over the world.

Conclusion

Resto-modding is a tricky business. There is a border where too much modernization sacrifices the soul of the original car. This is not the case here. Kimera EVO37 is not an over-the-top modern interpretation. Rather, it is an old car, redone in a modern way. Yes, a few small bits and pieces have been tweaked, but ultimately this is the same simple, lightweight, tail-happy road-going version of the Group B Lancia 037, people fell in love with.

By now it’s clear that, in the future, fun and engaging cars like this, will only be in the possession of those who can afford the immense price tag that comes with the levels of exclusivity they bring. We just hope, at least some of the 37 Kimera EVO37s will not end up as garage queens. In 10 or so years, when most cars will probably be electric and sound like a pack of running mice, seeing one of these on the road will bring back fond memories of the more exciting petrol-burning times of old motoring.