*Inspection report attached at the bottom of the listing*
Highlights
- In current ownership since 1998
- Desirable 16-valve model
- Resprayed in original Rosso Monza
- Highly original period interior
- Professionally inspected by an independent company
The Appeal
When it comes to rally-bred homologation specials, they don’t come much more evocative or desirable than the legendary Lancia Delta Integrale. The Group A Deltas, which were based closely on the road-going production cars, gave Lancia six successive World Rally Championship wins. Needless to say, they’re something of a hero car for fans of motorsport.
Agile, powerful and featuring that superb, boxy 1980s aesthetic, it’s still a much sought after and cherished performance machine. And the later 16-valve models are definitely the ones to go for – more powerful than the 8-valve yet not commanding the premiums of the ‘Evo’ models.
Here we are delighted to present just such a car – a 16-valve HF Integrale in glistening, resprayed Monza Red paintwork, largely original in specification and with a fine period interior. The vendor informs us that the mechanicals have been breathed upon by the previous owner - a former Dallara employee. As a result, the car is said to perform and handle exceptionally well.
If you’ve always dreamt of scratching that “80s rally car” itch, then this would be a magnificent way to do it.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1990 in Italy
- Current owner since 1998
- The previous owner was a Dallara employee and they carried out some subtle mechanical enhancements
- The vendor states that the car has never been in an accident
- Garage stored when not used under a bespoke breathable cover (supplied also)
- A comprehensive mechanical overhaul was carried out in 2016
- 111,212km indicated
- The service handbook is not present
- The car does not currently have a valid technical inspection
- Owner’s handbook and two sets of keys are present
- The vendor has not had so many opportunities to use the car as they would have liked in recent years, hence why it is no in need of a new home
The Interior
- Original Alcantara and cloth interior
- Electric front windows
- Period Blaupunkt radio/cassette
- Attractive 1980s design and layout
Upholstery in the cabin is very much of its time, and all the better for it. The deeply bolstered sports seats are finished in grey Alcantara with multi-coloured striped cloth inserts. The cloth all looks to be in very good order, with no significant wear apparent. Naturally, the Alcantara – particularly on the front seats – is suffering from some pilling and bobbling, but this is fairly simple to rectify. We’re pleased to see the door cards are finished in the same design and present in fine condition.
Light grey carpets and matched floor mats run through the cabin, showing some wear and tear, but still eminently usable. The headlining is a similar light grey finish and we could see any stains or tears to it, although it is starting to sag in a number of places so will probably require refurbishment.
All of the switchgear and trim appears to be in good, used condition, with some light patination and wear commensurate with the car’s age and mileage. We love the smart set of metal Sparco pedals, which offer a dash of motorsport styling to the cabin. Before the driver is a smart set of six gauges, with another two in the centre console, offering all the information you could desire to keep an eye on that turbocharged powertrain.
As this is a hatchback, boot space is good and offers a nice dose of practicality. The boot is trimmed in dark grey carpet which presents well, and also contains a small toolkit and a spacesaver spare wheel along with its vinyl cover. The vendor points out that the parcel shelf has been cut to allow the fitment of speakers, although only one is present.
Generally, the interior is in good order, just in need of a good valet. A further set of front seats are also supplied and are apparently in need of refurbishment. We’re assured by the vendor that everything works as it should, with no faults reported to us.
The Exterior
- Resprayed ‘Rosso Monza’ paintwork
- OZ ‘turbo fan’ style alloy wheels
- Iconic wide-arch styling
- Front fog lights
We’re told that the paintwork has been refinished in that stunning original shade of Rosso Monza. It looks to have been well done, with no notable blemishes or issues we could see. There’s a little hologramming and swirling in places, but this should polish out quite easily. The paint thickness report gives an overall reading of 214mu to 304mu, so it looks to have been evenly and smoothly applied.
With its low stance, wide track, blistered arches, stubby rear spoiler and deep front air dam, the Integrale is an imposing and foursquare design that’s steeped in rally style. Here, all the panels look to be neat and clean, with no corrosion or damage to be seen and crisp, clean lines.
Looking at the trim, glass and badging, everything seems to be in good order. The only issues we could identify were a couple of blanking panels missing in the side skirts and some of the badging showing its age with fading and cracking. The vendor points out that the "delta HF'' badges in the rear part of the side sills are missing and that the offside rear view mirror is a little unstable. Otherwise, they comment that the car is in “excellent” condition, considering its age.
At some point, the original wheels have been replaced with the motorsport-inspired, 15-inch OZ ‘turbofan’ style Sparco items you see in the pictures. Finished in white with red graphics, they nicely complement the rest of the car and neatly hint at its competition heritage. The wheels wear a matched set of Bridgestone Potenzas that are dated 2016 and have 3mm of tread on them.
Underneath, everything looks to be straight and solid, with some corrosion visible on the exhaust and some drivetrain components.
The Mechanics
- 1,995cc, turbocharged, 16-valve four-cylinder
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Replacement of cylinder head gasket for increased compression
- Replacement of clutch with a stronger 'sports' clutch
With a sizeable turbo dumping great gulps of compressed air into that 16-valve four-cylinder engine, this brutalist styled rally special develops a not inconsiderable 200hp. That power is delivered to all four wheels through a tactile manual transmission, offering engagement, tractability and grip – the perfect package for the keen driver.
The vendor tells us that the front and rear suspension has been uprated, also that the clutch has been replaced with a more robust performance unit.
The vendor reports that the car starts immediately and the engine runs smoothly. The previous owner, a former employee of Dallara and a great sports car enthusiast, had Lancia workshops carry out modifications to the engine using original period parts. This apparently involved replacing the camshafts and polishing the intake/exhaust ducts.
The vendor estimates that these modifications resulted in a performance increase of 60-70 horsepower and made the car more responsive.
The engine was reportedly overhauled in 2016 which entailed the replacement of the timing chain, gaskets and plastic sleeves. A little more work is now required and the vendor states that the clutch master cylinder gasket needs to be replaced. Also, the car retains the original suspension components and so the shock absorbers are worn out. We're informed that they have recently had the head gasket changed, so that's one less thing to worry about.
We’re pleased to report that the car starts and runs well, with a smooth tickover. The vendor tells us that the car is in fine mechanical order overall, with no leaks, no smoke on start-up and no untoward noises.
Summary
Group B and Group A are, for many of us, the greatest period in motorsport history. And the Delta Integrale is one of the absolute heroes of that era. This example is well presented and we think it would make a fantastic daily classic or, with a little work, something truly special for the weekends and shows.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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