Colin-on-Cars – Stratos reborn

The iconic Stratos is being reborn in a limited edition run by Turin-based manufacturer, Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT) and will debut at Salon Privé being held at Blenheim Palace in England in September.

The New Stratos to be shown at Salon Privé will be the latest interpretation of this legendary 70s rally car. Each car is based on a donor Ferrari F430 which is then heavily modified to save weight and increase agility and performance. Combined, the carbon body and lightened steel frame save 80 kgs and the wheelbase is then shortened by 20 cm to recreate the iconic proportions of the original car. With further MAT modifications under the bonnet, the Ferrari 4,3-litre V8 is good for 402 kW.

Following a career in Automotive Design that saw him spearhead the Special Projects Division at Pininfarina, Paolo Garella together with his son, Riccardo launched MAT in 2014 with the aim being to create a niche automotive manufacturer that could turn dreams into reality, taking projects from conception phase right through to final production.

With its skilled and passionate team of designers and engineers, the company has been involved in a number of exotic projects such as the unique P4/5 Competizione and the SCG003C&S Series, all for American collector and entrepreneur, Jim Glickenhaus. Then there’s the Apollo Intensa Emozione and currently, the co-development EV Hypercar, the Aspark Owl.   

Whilst the first prototype Stratos debuted in 2010, it wasn’t until 2018 that it officially went on sale following the granting of rights to produce the car by German company, New Stratos GbR, owned by German Billionaire Michael Stoschek.

Salon Privé Sales Director, David Bagley says, “The MAT Stratos is a brilliant modern-day interpretation of a 70s icon and the passion, skill and engineering that have gone into creating this stunning homage are clear to see. In designing the new car, MAT have made every effort to recreate a car that is as true as can be to the original, even down to the helmet compartment built into the inner door compartment. With just 25 examples being built, it will be super rare and so we are thrilled to be able to show the car to our guests, many of whom are collectors of limited production supercars.”

Riccardo Garella, Sales and Marketing Manager at MAT, commented: “We are happy and proud to showcase our New Stratos for the first time in the UK in such an iconic landmark. Salon Privè is the perfect fit for our cars and for the kind of experience we always try to offer to our clients: we look forward to presenting the New Stratos in September in Blenheim Palace!”

Now in its 15th year, ‘Salon Privé Week’ is a must-attend series of events for any car enthusiast or aficionado. A Partner Concours to the Peninsula Classics’ Best of the Best’ Award, Salon Privé is now recognised as one of the top events in the world alongside Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Held annually within the grounds of Blenheim Palace, Salon Privé is firmly established as the UK’s most exclusive Motor Show.

  • Salon Privé Week 2020
    23rd September – Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance by AXA
    24th September – Salon Privé Ladies’ Day by Boodles
    25th September – Salon Privé Masters by Pirelli and Lockton

26th September – Salon Privé Classic & Supercar featuring The Salon Privé Club Trophy

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