To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Open Roads, Fall event, 11
- 20 November 2020.
Estimate:
$70,000 - $80,000
- Lancia's vaunted WRC homologation model
- Odometer displays under 16,000 km (~9,950 mi)
- Rosso Monza over black Recaro leather interior
- Equipped with factory sunroof, air conditioning, and rare water
spray bag for intercooler
- Accompanied by manuals and literature, two sets of keys, and
ASI certification documentation
The Lancia Delta was never destined to be merely a humble
hatchback: Its Giorgetto Giugiaro-penned lines elevated it above
humdrum, while its taut chassis reminded drivers that it was
developed on the twisting roads of the Italian Alps.
By the time the Delta HF arrived on the scene in the mid-1980s,
reviving the "High Fidelity" moniker used on the legendary Stratos
HF, Lancia was on its way to cementing the model's rally pedigree.
Fierce competition forced constant development; spurred by Audi's
impressive Quattro rallying efforts, Lancia unleashed an all-wheel
drive car, the Delta HF 4WD, which quickly made a name for itself
in World Rally Championship's Group A. This was followed up with
the Delta HF Integrale, which made use of a 2.0-liter 8-valve turbo
four-cylinder. Its healthy 182 horsepower was shuffled to all four
wheels through a Ferguson viscous coupling center differential.
With the dawn of the 1990s came the Delta's roadgoing zenith: The
HF Integrale Evoluzione, revealed at the Frankfurt salon in 1991. A
remapped 16-valve turbocharged inline-four boasted 210 horsepower,
surmounting the 100 horsepower-per-liter hurdle with ease.
Blistered fenders opened up space for a widened track and Speedline
Monte Carlo wheels. At the rear sat a functional spoiler, while the
interior both looked and felt the part with optional bolstered
Recaro leather thrones with distinctive perforated upholstery.
While the road-legal homologation Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione was
earning its well-deserved reputation as a superb driver's car, its
competition counterparts were carving out their place in rally
history: A debut victory at San Remo in 1989, the first of many
wins for the Delta Integrale 16v, contributed to Lancia's
still-unmatched six consecutive World Rally Championship
manufacturer's titles. The Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione received a
follow-up, the Evoluzione II, in 1993. Yet the Evoluzione was the
last Delta that could rightly be called a WRC homologation car;
Lancia withdrew from rallying following a victorious 1992
season.
Showing just under 16,000 kilometers (~9,950 miles), an exterior
refinish ensures this handsome example's Rosso Monza paint retains
its luster, and its extra-cost black leather interior shows limited
use commensurate with its odometer reading. The cabin also features
air conditioning and a sunroof.
Further, this already desirable Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione is
equipped with a rare water spray bag for the intercooler-a
competition-derived feature found on early production cars, and one
that drives home its origins as a homologation special. The car
wears Michelin tires bearing 48/00 and 49/00 date codes and is
accompanied by owner's manuals and factory literature, two sets of
keys, and Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI) certification.
Please note that no documentation of recent service work is
included in the sale.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0620.