Sandro Munari, Rally Legend, Dies at 85

Sandro Munari, universally known as “Il Drago” and among the most iconic rally drivers in motorsport history, has died at the age of 85 after a long illness. Born in Cavarzere, in Italy’s Veneto region in March 1940, Munari’s name became synonymous with the golden era of rallying in the 1960s and ’70s.

Munari began his career in motorsport as a navigator in the mid-1960s before taking the wheel himself and rapidly rising to prominence. He soon became a leading figure for Lancia’s rally programme, first with the Fulvia HF — securing Italian and European titles — and then with the revolutionary mid-engined Lancia Stratos HF, a partnership that would define his legacy.

Across a career that spanned the formative years of the World Rally Championship, Munari scored seven WRC victories and claimed the 1977 FIA Cup for Rally Drivers — at the time effectively the World Drivers’ title. His triumphs included multiple wins at the Monte Carlo Rally and other classic events, showcasing his extraordinary versatility and skill in all conditions.

Beyond rallying, Munari also made his mark in circuit racing and endurance events, including a memorable Targa Florio victory in 1972 co-driving a Ferrari. After his competitive career, he continued to contribute to motorsport through driver training and promotion of safe, performance driving.

Sandro Munari’s influence on rallying was profound — not just for his results, but for the way he embodied passion, precision and daring behind the wheel. Motorsport has lost one of its true greats.

Automotive Masterpieces Note: Two Lancia Strato’s HF cars developed with Munari’s direct involvement are part of AM’s celebrated archive: the 1974 Lancia Strato’s HF, Chassis no. 829AR0001512 (with which he achieved 3rd OA at the Lombard RAC Rally 1974), and the 1976 Lancia Strato’s HF “Alitalia”, Chassis no. 829AR0001683 (2nd OA at the 1976 Sanremo Rally, 1st OA at the 1976 Tour de Corse and 1st OA at the 1977 Monte Carlo Rally).

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