Are there any Stratos or replicas in Canada?

[Overdrive440]

Hi,

I'm new to the the forum, and just recently have become somewhat interested in Stratos replicas after accidentally finding some websites on them. The first time I saw a picture of a Stratos was in a multi-make book about 15 years ago. This was of a safari Stratos crossing a mud puddle, and I thought that it was the neatest car in the entire book.

I was wondering if there were any Stratos or replicas in or near Canada, as I have never seen one up close.

After looking at the costs to build one of these, I can't really see myself getting into building one in the near future, but I am looking to learn more about these cars. :)

Thanks

[mogul_x]

Welcome aboard! If you're interested in learning about Stratos and replicas, you've come to the right place.

As to your question, about cars in Canada... I'm sure there must be, but I don't have any specifics at present. I saw a picture once of a few Stratos together in Canada, but I don't know the circumstances of the gathering. It might have been a meeting of Canadian replica owners, or it might have been some kind of car show. I think it was near Toronto, but I might be mistaken.

There were definitely a few replicas in Canada in the past, but a couple of them have since moved to the USA. Steve Stahn has a lime green HF2000, and used to live in Ontario. He is now in the Detroit area. There was also supposed to be a yellow HF3000 with a Ferrari engine in Canada at one point. I think it got sold to somebody in the US, and may be the car recently for sale in Pennsylvania.

Another place you could check would be the Stratos Replica Club. That's who I asked when I was trying to find replica owners in the 'States. If there are any Canadian members on the books, they could probably supply e-mail or postal addresses. Guy Mayers is the club secretary, and is active on this forum. If he doesn't have the club records handy, he might be able to direct you to somebody who does.

If you don't mind me asking, where in Canada are you located?

Best of luck in your search,

[Overdrive440]

I'm located in Manitoba. I did find an add for a Yellow Ferrari-powered replica online, it was already sold apparently. I think this car was located in Toronto. That might be the one you are refering to. It did look very nice.

Looking through pictures, it seems the Stratos is a very low car. How small is it anyway? I get the impression that they look larger than they really are in pictures.

[chris.richard]

Same size as a Fiat X-19, if that helps. Try the Hawk website for dimensions.

[guy mayers]

Hi, there are club members all over the world, not surprisingly most are in the UK but we have members in America, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Holland, Germany, France and even Scotland! Sadly I can't recall ever having a member in Canada that I could put you in touch with.
Guy

[chris.richard]

Originally posted by guy mayers
...and even Scotland!

Well I never! Whatever next!!;)

[chris.richard]

Originally posted by Overdrive440
How small is it anyway? I get the impression that they look larger than they really are in pictures.

Length 146 inches
width 68.9 inches
height 43.9 inches
wheelbase 85 inches
wheeltrack (f/r) 56.3/57.5 inches

[guy mayers]

Originally posted by chris.richard


Well I never! Whatever next!!;)

No Chris, I think "wherever" next is more appropriate!
Maybe Wales? (who can I p**s off next??)
Guy

[guy mayers]

Figures quoted by Chris are for the Stradale, the Group 4 body is 75" at the back, a point worth considering when ordering your car - just how much room will there be on either side as you drive into your garage? Plus, any "normal" cars widest points are the tips of the mirrors, we've probably got 6 - 8 inches outboard of ours making it harder to judge!
Guy

[x19er]

There is a stradale here in the Detroit area...the owner sometimes stores the car in Canada.

[Overdrive440]

From those dimensions, it looks like a pretty small car. Almost the size of a Pontiac Fiero it seems, maybe a bit shorter... 75" wide shouldn't be much of a problem. Many cars and trucks are near 80" wide here.

I suppose with small dimensions like that, the cabin must be pretty cramped. I looked throught the pictures and there does not seem to be much room for feet and pedals.

[Stratos]

Organise a holiday to the UK for June7/8 and you'll be able to see loads of tham at the stratos UK Motorsport weekend 2003 at Abingdon.

[mogul_x]

Originally posted by Overdrive440
From those dimensions, it looks like a pretty small car. Almost the size of a Pontiac Fiero

Actually, it's a good deal smaller than a Fiero. About 19" shorter in overall length, and 8" shorter wheelbase. Width and height are similar to the Fiero, but slightly less (on the Stradale, at least - competition cars with the wide fenders are much wider). On the plus side, it's also 600-700 pounds lighter than a Fiero.:D

I suppose with small dimensions like that, the cabin must be pretty cramped. I looked throught the pictures and there does not seem to be much room for feet and pedals.

Surprisingly, the cabin is roomier than it looks. Lots of elbow room, owing to the shape of the doors. Headroom is adequate if you're under 5'10", but if you're much over 6 feet, it can be a little tight. Some of the taller owners have lowered the floor to get an additional inch or two. You're right about the foot room, though. It's tight. If you've got big feet, it's difficult to drive in anything other than racing shoes.

The Stratos even has adequate trunk space. More than a Fiero, and a lot more than my MR2. Of course, it's all in the rear - nothing under the front but the spare wheel and radiator.

The car has a lot of room in it, despite a small package, for two reasons. One, you sit very far forward in the car. Your feet are just about on the front axle centerline, hence the lack of footroom - you're being pinched by the front wheel arches. The other reason is that the car has no bumpers whatsoever. You'd be amazed at how much length bumpers and crashworthiness standards add to a modern car.

I have to agree with David - If you want to see Stratos', try and arrange a trip to Abingdon in June. I've gone twice, and would make an annual trip out of it if I could afford it. If a trip to the UK is not in the cards, there's a few of these cars scattered around the U.S., although you probably won't have the opportunity to ride in one for a while. Abingdon is a MUST if you really want the full experience.

[John]

I,m looking for information about the replica and kit scene in the U.S.A. and Canada, so if any contributors from "over there" would like to e-mail me I would be most grateful for their opinions

[x19er]

You have a good chance of seeing at least one Stratos replica in the states at the annual Fiat Freak Out sponsored by Fiat Lancia Unlimited in the USA (FLU). You can find more info at www.flu.org. I think Jeff Davison (the USA importer for Hawk) will be there with his partially completed replica.