Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2026 - Competition Cars on Saturday the 21st of February, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG. With their walkover success in the 1988 World Rally Championship, Lancia were very aware that the competition was going to be hot on their heels for the 1989 season and upgrades were required in order to stay ahead of the game. Using the racing logic of the period, it was swiftly decided that more power was the solution and the 16v Integrale quickly took on the field, both literally and figuratively. Launched at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show, the new Integrale’s upgrades and tweaks were alarmingly subtle for such a flamboyant marque. Despite sticking with the 2-litre engine displacement, a raised bonnet centre was required to house the taller 16-valve variant and further visible external changes included wider wheels/ tyres and new identity badges on the front and rear. Invisible changes included altering the torque-split to 47/ 53 front/ rear to improve the cars handling balance.
The fabulous 2-litre turbocharged Lancia engine was already a powerful, honed performer before it was developed further for the Integrale 16v. Changes included larger fuel-injectors, a more responsive Garrett T3 turbo, a highly efficient intercooler system which enabled the engine to run at high outputs for longer than the 8v without compromising reliability and a more effective fuel feed at high engine speeds. These changes enabled the 16v to generate over 200bhp at 5, 500rpm and when combined with a new over-boost system which increased torque to 220lb/ ft at 3, 000rpm, 0-60mph now took just 5. 5 seconds and the little Lancia could nudge 140mph. All these improvements made the road-going version of the Integrale 16v a spirited, engaging, reliable and inherently safe car.
Offered here is a fabulous FIA Lancia Delta 16v HF Integrale built to FIA Tarmac Rally specification (Period J2) by the marque expert, Ricky Higgs, over a three-to-four-year period. A standard 16v Integrale road car was sourced as a basis and a build costing over £150, 000 commenced to FIA specification. Ricky made numerous trips to Italy to source genuine parts including some ‘factory’ parts.
The specification is impressive and is too long to list here but includes:
'Group A' Turbo
Factory Induction system
'Group A' ex-factory suspension
'Group A' steering rack
5-speed dog-leg gearbox with new internals
'Group A' brakes
Speedline magnesium wheels
Beautifully presented in Bianco, it's every inch, the 'poster car' finished in the iconic livery of the Martini drinks company, Lancia's sponsors at the time, and despite being a competition car, the interior reflects the same attention to detail evident everywhere else in the car's preparation.
At the end of the build a couple of years ago, FIA HTP papers were issued and are valid until 31st December 2034 (Form Number: GB14200). In December 2025, a pair of new seats and harnesses were also fitted to the car. Since completion, the car has not been campaigned but it did enjoy some road miles and a shakedown in anger at Llandow where it performed very well. A change in direction for the owner means that this special car is reluctantly on the market, ready for its next lucky owner.
Eligible for a variety of top-class events, this Integrale is being offered at a fraction of what it would cost to replicate today and represents fantastic value for money in our opinion.
