The Lancia Delta, named "Car of the Year" in 1980, is a 4-door model with medium displacement, but of high class. Giugiaro's Italdesign drew the compact and elegant bodywork. The engine was initially a modest transverse four-cylinder with front-wheel drive. Lancia engineers, seeking improved quality, made an extra effort for the Delta. In particular, in the search for the origin of vibrations and noise by analyzing the frequencies of the body and engine using holographic laser beams. As a result, they used and created revolutionary soundproofing materials that are now widely used in industry.
Numerous sporting developments followed from 1982 with the Delta GT that developed 105 horsepower and was equipped with four disc brakes. In 1983, the Turbo HF was launched with 130 hp and 195 km/h. At the 1982 Turin Motor Show, the driving prototype of the 4 X 4 Delta Turbo was presented with future production in mind. The first 4WDs rolled off the production line in the summer of 1986. Claudio Lombardi, responsible for technical development at Abarth, immediately adapted a number of cars for the World and European Group A and N championships.
Christened the Delta Integrale in 1988, the brakes, suspension and bodywork were improved to transmit power through larger wheels and tires (more than 300 hp in the factory rally cars).
It is an iconic hothatch that to this day is considered one of the most legendary rally cars of all time. It is the result of Lancias intensive efforts to transform the Delta from a modest family car to a performance rally car.
Under the hood of this relatively small rally car is a 2.0L four-cylinder, 8 valve engine. This compact block delivers about 180hp and nearly 300nm of torque. Because of its all-wheel drive and light weight, the Delta was unstoppable on the international rally tracks and won many titles as a result. For example, the model won six constructors' titles, four drivers' championships and 46 recognized rallies. To this day, the Lancia Delta is the most successful rally car in WRC (World Rally Championchip) history. The Group A class was completely dominated by the Delta.
The horsepower and Nm's may seem modest by today's standards, but the low weight and efficient 4-wheel drive maximize the horsepower. In addition, rally versions were boosted to well over 300hp.
Over the life of the model, there were many evolutions. The bodywork grew in width and engine power rose to unprecedented heights.
In short; if you are totally in-to-the rally sport then this is the car for you. A car with a great history, a legend in rally sport and today still a pleasure to look at, listen to and drive.
This particular example in the original metallic crimson red was originally delivered in France where it belonged to the same owner for 33 years. The car is now in the Netherlands to be auctioned on our platform, but still with the French papers!
This is an untouched and rust free example with only 80,000 km, which can safely be called rare.
The car has always been meticulously maintained and driven with respect for the mechanics. It was carefully repainted in 2022 in its original metallic (167/F) color. The interior in light gray Alcantatra and striped fabric is in perfect condition, as are the wheels, which were reconditioned and fitted with new Toyo tires in 2022. A mechanical service was performed this year at 79238 km, including timing belt, replacement of fluids and filters, front shock absorbers and battery. This car is an extremely attractive specimen and one of the best handling cars of the 1990s. A real collector's item!
Our opinion
What a fun car! Small agile, fast and in very good and original condition. There are many Delta's offered that have been converted into a lookalike of the rally guns. Often not very great in the base and then fitted with modifications that often worsen the cars rather than improve them. The originality of this example, the overall condition of the car and the fact that the last owner owned the car for 33 years make this a rare opportunity to purchase an icon.
Recent service history
24-10-1989 at 25,529km Garage de l'Europe
22-02-1990 at 42,780km Garage de l'Europe
12-07-1993 at 48.889km Garage de la Buffardiere
Date unknown 70,784km Fiat Auto France S.A.
Modifications
Speakers mounted in rear shelf
Remarks
Car has been repainted once in original color, see photos paint thickness measurement
Missing front floor mats
Paint from driver side wiper is peeling off
Included with sale
2 original keys
Original books and documentation
Summary
Seller - Private
Location - Gelderland
Chassis number - ZLA831AB0-00448701
Registration number - French registration
First registration - 05-06-1988
First registration NL - 05-06-2002
Mileage - 80.140km
Demonstration - yes, through documentation
Warranty - no
VAT/margin car - Margin
Bodywork - (hot)hatchback
Engine - 2.0 four cylinder 8V with 181hp and 298Nm
Propulsion - Four wheel drive
Transmission - Manual transmission
Tires - Toyo Proxus R, 15 inches, all around 8+ mm
Exterior - Ruby red metallic
Interior - Beige / striped
Upholstery - Fabric
Smoking car - No
The description of this Collectable was created with extreme care, based on information provided by and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre)selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders should ascertain for themselves the correctness of the description and can, if they wish, conduct (or have conducted) personal research. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, examination or valuation in advance by buyers, of course in consultation with the seller. Consult our General Terms and Conditions for more details.
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