1978 Lancia Sibilo: A Futuristic Super Car Prototype

Feb 20, 2025

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In the late 1970s, the automotive world was buzzing with excitement over the futuristic designs coming out of Italy. One such groundbreaking example was the 1978 Lancia Sibilo, a supercar prototype that pushed the boundaries of car design.

Designed in the Style Centre at Caprie, the Sibilo was based on the chassis of the iconic Lancia Stratos, but took the concept to stylistic extremes. It was 10 cm longer than the Stratos, but maintained the same layout of mechanical components, ensuring a powerful performance to match its stunning looks.

One of the most striking features of the Sibilo was its original exterior graphics, which seamlessly blended the glazing with the bodywork. Bertone, the design team behind the Sibilo, believed that window surfaces were crucial to the aesthetics of a car, and they innovatively incorporated them into the overall design of the Sibilo.

The rear semi-monocoque was entirely removable, giving the Sibilo a versatile edge. The vehicle's steering and instrumentation were also ahead of their time, with digital displays located conveniently for the driver's ease. The steering wheel design was particularly noteworthy, crafted to provide a comfortable and ergonomic grip for the driver.

Unveiled at the 1978 Turin Motor Show, the Lancia Sibilo turned heads and captured the imagination of car enthusiasts everywhere. It was a bold statement of what the future of automotive design could look like, offering a glimpse into a world of sleek, futuristic supercars.

While the Sibilo may have been a one-off prototype, its influence can still be felt in the world of car design today. It remains an important example of pushing the boundaries and looking towards the future - a true icon of its time.