1989 Lancia Delta HF integrale 16V

Homologation special | 50,000 original miles | Imported from Japan

Sold

While we’re primarily aficionados of German collector cars from Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and so on, there are other makes which captivate our souls. One of those automobile companies is Lancia.

Founded by Vincenzo Lancia, the company is known for producing not only some of the most beautiful automobiles but also introducing numerous innovations to the industry. Lancia launched the first car with a complete electrical system, the first monocoque chassis, the first spring and damper as a single unit, the first 5-speed gearbox, and the first production V-6 engine. The list of Lancia’s accomplishments goes on and on. We just love this brand!

The period of history following the acquisition of Lancia by Italian automaker Fiat in 1969 is not known for tremendous breakthroughs in terms of production automobiles. No, Lancia cemented itself in the hearts of many for its rally cars which dominated the sport in the last decades of the 20th century.

We could wax poetic on the Lancia Stratos, the 037 or the Fulvia—all incredible rally champions, but the winningest of all is the Lancia Delta integrale whose origins stem from the humble Lancia Delta hatchback. The company turned to the Delta when Group B rally was banned for its dangerous and deadly speeds. Lancia needed a production Group A race car, and the Delta was a good fit for modification to rally spec. The famed Delta S4 rally car was a Delta in name only, and now fans of the model could finally see a car they actually own ripping up rally stages across the world.

The vehicle on offer by Wolf and Mare is a homologation road-going version of the iconic Lancia Delta HF integrale 16v. The integrales absolutely dominated rally in period, winning 46 wins in total and 6 World Rally Championships in a row. In order to race in the production class, Lancia had to build 5,000 examples of the car in road trim. This is one of 5,000 cars produced in 1989 and features the upgraded 16 valve engine developed to be more competitive in the sport than the previous 8 valve motor.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder 16 valve engine was originally designed by Aurelio Lampredi (a Ferrari and Abarth engine designer) and pumps out 200 horsepower, a bump of 35hp over the preceding 8v engine. Most are taken aback by the packaging; the engine on this high-performance version of the Delta looks quite stuffed into the engine bay. Not a space was spared to accommodate the big lump or its intercooler piping. The engine bay on this example, while clean, wears evidence of its age but is leak-free and fully intact. Minor modifications include upgraded silicone intercooler piping.

The engine puts power to the ground through a 5-speed transmission driving all four wheels through an innovative—and expensive for the time—TorSen rear differential. The 16V version of the integrale further refined the system to deliver a 47/53 power distribution. This Lancia’s system is in full working order and is remarkably grippy when shoved around corners with aggression.

The exterior form of this Lancia Delta integrale 16v was penned by none other than Giorgetto Guigiaro, iconic designer of the 20th century and practitioner of the “folded paper” theory of design. The car’s wide fender arches accommodate its race-prepared track and are even wider than those on the 8v integrales. Recently repainted in its original color of Bianco, this integrale looks ready for application of its Martini, Repsol or Fina livery.

A few scuffs are present here and there. A common rust area is the rear of the roof, and this car was starting to show bubbling under the paint. A $5,000 repair and repaint was performed by Schebish Brothers in northern Virginia and was done to a very high standard. Paintless dent removal banished the only ding on the car’s roof. All exterior features work properly, including lighting and the quarter panel-mounted power antenna.

Wearing our personal favorite interior color combination of gray Alcantara with Missoni rainbow fabric seat inserts, the interior on this integrale presents well. Light wear can be seen throughout, with a cracked center console trim recently replaced. Occasional squeaks and rattles can be heard while driving, but this is common for Lancia Deltas. The steering wheel has been beautifully recovered in matching leather, stitching, and fitment. All interior features work as they should.

A well preserved example of one of Lancia’s most iconic cars, with only 50,000 miles this Lancia Delta integrale is offered with original tools, jack, spare and a detailed binder of invoices and paperwork since its importation from Japan in 2017. The car is titled and registered in Virginia on an antique registration in the seller’s name.

This is a rare opportunity to own a true homologation special that was never available for purchase in the United States.

This vehicle has been sold, but if you’re interested in acquiring one, our car finding service can help!

Details

VIN: ZLA831AB000484381

Color: Bianco

Interior Color: Gray Alcantara

Mileage: 50,000 miles

Engine: 2.0 Liter Turbocharged Four

Transmission: 5-speed w/ TorSen AWD

HP/Torque: 200 HP / 220 lb-ft

Options:
• Period Sony cassette stereo
• Upgraded silicone intercooler piping
• Rust professionally repaired in 2021
• Power antenna
• Recent timing belt
• New starter motor
• Binder with service records and docs

Sold for $40,000

Via RM Sothebys Ft Lauderdale in 2022