From the first moment I saw the Stratos, I fell in love with it - even though it nearly pushed me off the road on which I was walking. That was back in the Seventies, when I was a spectator at the RAC Rally in Donnington. Over the next few years I spotted the Lancia once or twice while on holiday in Europe and my passion for the car grew.

I became the proud owner of my Stratos - one of only 10 in the UK - in 2001. Originally designed as a rally car, my Stratos was previously owned by the famous German racing dynasty, the Stuck family. It has a 2.5l, V6 engine and makes a low, gravelly sound like no other car. With its Ferrari engine, rally sport suspension and sleek Italian styling, I reckon this is the best sports car in the world.

Whenever I take it out to a vintage show - or just for a spin in the country - I usually have offers from people wanting to buy it, but I can never see me letting this car go.

I am taking part in the Wales Rally GB this month as an amateur co-driver, so owning the Stratos gives me a real sense of sporting history. It's great to compete in the modern rally and still have a little piece of racing heritage back in the garage at home.

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