As a Ford senior exterior designer moonlighting on this beauty to mark the 50th birthday of the original 1970s Beta Montecarlo, Giroux has whipped up something that’s equal parts throwback and forward-thinking dream. In a world where Lancia’s mostly chatting about the zippy Ypsilon Hybrid these days, this fan-made vision feels like a rallying cry for the brand to dust off its rally-winning DNA and get back to making hearts race. Let’s geek out over why this could – and should – inspire Lancia’s future lineup.
Blending Eras: How Giroux Nailed the Old-School Cool with Modern Flair
The original Lancia Beta Montecarlo wasn’t just any ’70s coupe; it was Pininfarina’s mid-engine marvel that starred in flicks like Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo and laid the groundwork for rally legends. Fast-forward to 2025, and Giroux – drawing from his French roots and Ford day job – reimagines it through Lancia’s fresh Pu+Ra lens, the same vibe that powered the 2023 Pu+Ra HPE concept. He kicked things off with hand sketches, then layered in Photoshop, Blender, and a dash of AI to sculpt a ride that’s feasible for the showroom.
What stands out? Those flying buttresses – straight nods to the Beta’s signature sails – but reimagined in see-through glass for a lightweight, aggressive edge that plays with light like nothing else. Up front, the sculpted chin spoiler and flared fenders give it an exotic, planted stance, while slim T-shaped LEDs tie it to Lancia’s current glow-up (think Ypsilon’s sleek lines). The rear diffuser and circular motifs echo the Stratos HF’s drama, but everything flows smoother, with aero tweaks for that electric-era efficiency. It’s not some pie-in-the-sky render; proportions scream “production-ready,” making you wonder if Stellantis is peeking over Giroux’s shoulder.
Rally Roots Run Deep: The Alitalia-Liveried Beast That Honors the 037
No chat about the Montecarlo skips its motorsport cred. That chassis birthed the Lancia Rally 037, the last rear-drive rocket to snag a World Rally Championship in the early ’80s – a beast that dethroned Audis and humbled the field with its mid-engine fury. Giroux gets it, so he didn’t stop at the street coupe; he cranked out a rally-spec version that’s pure fire.
Picture this: Wider arches swallowing gold-rimmed wheels, a snarling hood scoop for turbo whoosh, fresh air intakes gobbling breeze, and that iconic Alitalia livery splashed across the body – the same red-white-blue flash that made the Stratos HF unforgettable. It’s stripped for speed, with a vented rear hinting at heat management for something potent under the hood. This isn’t just fan service; it’s a love letter to Lancia’s glory days, reminding us how brands like Toyota keep the flame alive with evolutions like the GR Corolla. If Lancia ever greenlights a hot hatch or coupe, this rally render could be the blueprint.
Power Dreams: Electric Purity or Hybrid Heat?
Giroux kept the powertrain under wraps – smart move, lets the imagination run wild. The street version’s clean lines and no-exhaust silhouette scream full EV, aligning with Lancia’s push toward sustainable speed (hello, Pu+Ra HPE’s 700+ km range vision). Slot in a dual-motor setup, and you could have sub-4-second sprints with Lancia’s trademark handling – think Ypsilon HF rumors but in coupe form, packing 280+ hp without the drama.
But those rally vents? They whisper hybrid possibilities, maybe a mid-engine V6 plug-in nodding to the 037’s turbo legacy, blending electric torque with Italian snarl for track days. Either way, it’s a halo car begging for life beyond sketches, especially as Lancia rebuilds buzz with the 2025 Ypsilon Hybrid’s efficient charm. We’ve seen icons roar back – Ferrari’s Testarossa reboot with 1,000 hp proves demand’s there. Why not Lancia?
Why This Matters: A Wake-Up Call for Lancia’s Sporty Soul
Giroux’s Pu+Ra Montecarlo isn’t official – it’s a personal passion project born from childhood crushes on the Beta’s curves. But damn if it doesn’t feel like the spark Lancia needs. The brand’s been quiet on sports cars since the Delta Integrale faded, focusing on sensible EVs to hit sales targets. Yet visions like this, blending ’70s charisma with 2025 tech, show the magic when heritage meets innovation. It’s believable, beautiful, and badass – the kind of concept that could slot above the Ypsilon as a limited-run thrill machine.
In a sea of AI slop flooding social feeds, Giroux’s blend of old-school sketching and digital polish stands out as real artistry. It makes you root for Lancia to surprise us, maybe teasing a Fulvia revival or Gamma fastback alongside. Until then, this tribute keeps the flame flickering.
What about you – electric purity or hybrid howl for a new Montecarlo? Would you drop coin on one? Spill in the comments, and if you’re into concept cars with rally roots, check our take on the latest GR Yaris tweaks. Drive on!
