*14/06 Update: Paperwork added at the bottom of the listing*

Highlights

Upgraded turbocharger, Imasaf exhaust and Ohlins suspension equipment
Believed to still be wearing its original red paintwork
Said to be running well and driving impeccably

The Appeal

As the 1980s drew to a close, it was becoming abundantly clear that four-wheel drive was here to stay in rallying. With the inimitable Audi Quattro dominating Group B, it was the Lancia Delta Integrale that stole the show in Group A, with 46 WRC wins to its name. The road-going homologation specials also proved immensely popular and when it came time to replace the HF 16 valve model in 1991, the heavily re-engineered ‘Evoluzione’ or ‘Evo’ model was born. With outrageous blistered arches, uprated steering, geometry and more power, the Evo 1, as it came to be known, was a formidable hot hatch, believed by many to be the best of the 1990s.

We’re delighted to offer this well reserved 1992 example, resplendent in what is reported to be its original red paintwork. That fabulous interior is believed to be largely original as well, with pleasingly patinated leather Recaro seats and that famously busy dashboard. Mechanically, the vendor reports that an uprated turbocharger has been fitted, resulting in a power increase. The engine is said to start readily and run really well.

If you’re after a mechanically healthy and quite original example, then be sure not to miss this Evo 1, as there certainly aren’t many well preserved examples left to choose from.

The History and Paperwork

The vendor acquired the Lancia in 2015
We’re informed that the red paintwork is original to the car
Any minor maintenance work and serving has apparently been carried out as and when necessary during present ownership
Little is know of this car’s earlier history
The vendor states that there is no work currently needed and it is ready to enjoy
Complete with Delta Integrale badges both internally and externally

The Interior

Appears very original overall
Period correct black leather Recaro seats
Presented in very good condition, with some light patina

Getting behind the wheel of this Lancia really is like stepping back to 1992. The cosseting embrace of the leather Recaros immediately feels familiar and you’re greeted by that famously busy instrument cluster, with a plethora of dials, warning lights and graphics. There’s little to leave you in any doubt that this is anything but a standard delta, with ‘HF’ and ‘Integrale’ motifs prominently displayed on the steering wheel, overmats and above your head near the exterior light

The aforementioned Recaro seats have worn well over the years, with some light creasing but really nothing more in the way of wear. The carpeting exhibits a few small marks, as do the black overmats, but both remain eminently usable in their current condition. The headlining also presents well and we didn’t see any signs of water ingress from the sunroof. Speakers are neatly let into the rear parcel shelf, providing sound from the Sony stereo system. We didn’t notice any significant wear to the dashboard, door trims or controls. The vendor informs us that everything electrical works as it should, including the optional central locking system and powered sunroof.

The Exterior

Smart red paintwork - believed original
Period alloy wheels
Well presented bodywork and underside

There’s something rather brilliant about how the Evo 1’s bulging arches and erect boot spoiler complement the angular Giugiaro lines of the Delta and while not overly brash, it looks every bit the road-going rally car.

We’re told that this Integrale’s paintwork is original, so it has fared incredibly well considering the car is now over thirty years old. The vendor describes its overall condition as “fair”, and we agree that this is an accurate assessment. There are few blemishes overall, with no large chips, scratches or general age related deterioration immediately apparent.

The wheels look good too and while the vendor points out the odd small mark, they’re eminently presentable. Underneath, all seems in good order, with the usual light road grime, a light smattering of surface rust, but certainly nothing that concerns us upon a brief inspection.

The Mechanics

2.0-litre turbocharged twin-cam producing 207 bhp from new
Five-speed manual gearbox
We’re informed that an upgraded turbo provides this example with a performance increase
Imasaf exhaust system complete with plaque on the tailpipe
The vendor informs us that Ohlins suspension equipment is fitted
Presents well under the bonnet

As an Evo, it features uprated steering and suspension not seen on its predecessor. Box section track control arms were fitted, the front strut towers were raised, and the car’s overall track width increased front and rear. There was a power increase too and this example is said to boast even more performance with an upgraded turbocharger. It sounds fabulous through its Imasaf exhaust system and the vendor remarks that it runs really well.

We’re informed that any maintenance has always been attended to as and when the car required it and as a result, it is said to start readily and perform strongly. We’re not informed of any mechanical issues, it apparently rides well, handles brilliantly and stops when it should.

Summary

You’d be the envy of every petrolhead in this Evo 1. With amazing rally pedigree behind the brand and model, they’re perennially admired, and this is a great example.

Retaining lots of original features, while hiding some tasteful upgrades, it’s an incredibly usable example that begs to be driven.

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