6 Things you didn't know about the Lancia SE041 (ECV) and SE042 (ECV2)

Updated: 29 Nov 2024

1. The wheels weighed only 6kg Each

The wheels for the ECV were specially designed by Speedline. The wheels were purely made from composite materials such as Carbon sheets impregnated with epoxy resin, a honeycomb and aluminum centre flange with an additional adhesive protective film to withstand the high temperatures generated by the brakes. This produced weight savings of 40% and a total weight of 6 kg per wheel were achieved for a gravel rim measuring 8x16. These were capable of withstanding the stresses imposed by a rally-car with a power of 600 bhp.

2. The chassis was designed on a computer

The SE041 had a monocoque built with carbon kevlar panels integrated in epoxy with a 3/8” steel behave core. The chassis was designed on a computer by means of the “Finite Elements Method” in order to analyse stress in the various parts of the structure and the arrangement of the materials. The composite materials were taken directly from the aeronautical and space industry.

3. SE042 had pearlescent paint

Carlo Gaino chose the pearly white colour but it wasn’t easy to convince both Cesare Fiorio and Claudio Lombardi, but a special car like the ECV2 had to have a special colour, even though at this time it was difficult to produce and apply this type of coating. The pearlescent effect was ideal because it emphasised its lines and gave a better effect to the cuts and surfaces.

4. ECV1 does not exist anymore

The chassis from ECV was carried over to ECV2 and all of the body parts were removed. Only the chassis, triflux engine, and mechanical components were carried over.

You might ask what about this car. Well Giuseppe Volta and a team of works mechanics have restored this car from a Delta S4 evo development chassis.
Giuseppe Volta worked directly for Abarth during the 1970’s and 1980’s using his company Volta Racing as the “Skunk Works”, testing concepts and ideas that needed quick parallel development alongside the ultra-competative Lancia-Martini team. Due to the absolute top-level services rendered, and mutual trust that came from this highly sucessful collaboration, he was able to purchase the S4 EVO2 development chassis which had been abandoned by Abarth following the cancellation of the Group B rally regulations and also the discarded ECV1 Body parts, excluding the original carbon-fibre chassis which, as explained above, became the basis of the ECV2. The restoration was performed during 2010 with assistance from several ex-Abarth team members such as Claudio Lombardi, Sergio Limone and Cesare Fiorio to name a few.

5. ECV1 only covered 100km's

After the engine had been developed on the Abarth test bench the engine had 600 bhp at 8000 rpm. The engine was then fitted to the car to which it only covered more or less 100 kms at Campo Volo and Marene.