1990 Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16v

Description

• UNSOLD at auction August 2023 
• Rosso Monza Red 
• From a collection in Italy 
• Unrestored, original condition 
• One former UK keeper 
• 48,000 km = c29,000 miles 
• Several thousand recently spent 

The Lancia Delta HF Turbo Integrale. Its wonderfully neutral chassis gives it balance and agility. Its intimate steering feel inspires confidence. The whoosh and chuff of the turbocharger from the 2 litre 16V engine. Not to mention the Integrale’s looks. As an overall package, it’s deeply charismatic.  

History 

The Group A World Rally Championship was the source of some of the greatest road cars. None more so than the iconic Lancia Delta Integrale. The Delta HF Integrale owes its existence to the early HF 4WD model launched in 1986. There the similarities end. 

The most significant change in the Integrale’s history came in 1989 when it adopted a 16-valve engine. This yielded 200bhp, a hydraulic clutch, optional ABS, wider wheels and tyres and for the first time, the majority of the torque was directed to the rear wheels.  

• Year of manufacture 1990 
• First registered in the UK 10th April 2017 
• The first UK owner lived in York 
• Our vendor Peter, is the second UK owner 
• The Lancia originated from a collection in Italy where it was stored 
• Paperwork is on file confirming the history 
• Peter spent several thousand pounds in his words “making the Lancia right” 
• Invoices on file 

Inside 

Over the production run, inside there were constant tweaks and revisions. The Integrale version was the pinnacle. 

Sports seats came standard with optional Recaros being clad in a mixture of cloth, Alcantara and leather, depending on the market. One constant across all Integrales was left-hand drive steering wheels. That is the way they should stay. There were some right-hand drive conversions, but the steering racks used were Fiat Regata items that weren’t really suited to the car and the whole dynamic changed. 

• Due in part to the low mileage and Italian weather, the interior of this Integrale is in very good condition 
• Alcantara and cloth interior 
• Recaro seats 
• The outer cloth on the driver’s seat has about six inches of slight bobbling 
• A radio was never fitted from the factory 
• Original steering wheel with some slight bleaching on top from the Italian sun 
• Electric front windows 
• Carbon gear lever knob 
• Still has some of the original plastic covering from the factory on the carpets 

The Lancia Delta HF Turbo Integrale’s dash is classic 1980s. A squared off binnacle featuring an array of dials and gauges sitting alongside the speedo and rev counter. Decorated in yellow script with yellow needles, they were a distinctive feature of the car. The interior is in very good condition and a perfect mixture of driving pleasure and practicality. 

Outside 

• Original black Teledial rims 
• Beefier section wheel arches all round to fit the wider wheels and suspension 
• Rosso Monza Red paintwork 
• Our vendor tells us he has had the Lancia professionally detailed and in the detailer’s opinion the paint work is 95% original 
• The original factory stickers on the door shuts would support that 
• Unique raised and louvred Integrale bonnet to accommodate the 16V engine 
• The front and rear bumpers were widened to blend with the extended arches 
• Matt black side skirts flared to match  
• Front driving lamps 
• Factory fitted steel sunroof 
• When not in use, the Lancia is always in an inflatable Carcoon – see images 
• The original Italian number plates will come with the car  

There’s something just so intrinsically right about a car with boosted, blistered wheel arches. They talk of extensive factory modifications to elevate a car to the pinnacle of performance. That is exactly what Lancia did with Integrale.  

In five door hatchback form, this is a car that you can buy with your heart as well as your head. Invariably it is the former that will sound the loudest. Take a good look around the extensive gallery. The underside is as good as the top side 

Mechanicals 

Peter tells us; “I had Walkers Lancia specialist go through the car a couple of years ago and they got it running in top condition. Turbo rebuild plus cylinder head and loads more. I think l have invoices for around £7000”. Peter also tells us this Lancia was not specified with the optional ABS making it a real driver’s car. 

The later Integrales like this one came with significant upgrades 

• 16-valve twin cam engine 
• Garret T3 turbocharger  
• More efficient intercooler 
• Larger injectors 
• The ability to run on unleaded fuel 
• Wider wheels and tyres 
• The torque split was changed to 47% front and 53% rear 
• 200 bhp 
• 0-60 in under 6.0 seconds 
• Tyres have covered only 3,000 miles approx. 

The most engaging part about an Integrale is the way it is both incredibly adhesive to the road but also throttle-steerable and driftable. Today that mix of suppleness and precision is a revelation. The quick steering is ultra-informative despite its power assistance. The performance and tractability of the upgraded 16V engine brings the whole package together. 

Summary 

What a legend. The Lancia Delta HF Integrale is one of the most evocative names in modern motorsport. Every classic enthusiast, not just lovers of Italian classics, should own a car like this at some point. Finding an unrestored, low mileage original is another step altogether. 

As an overall package, it’s captivating. That goes some way to explaining why values continue to remain strong and will rise with the passing of years. As you can see from the background images, our vendor is a true enthusiast. This HF Integrale has been lovingly cared for.  

The interest in the last Integrale we had for auction very nearly crashed the website in the latter bidding stages. For information – our market knowledgeable vendor has reserved this Lancia very, very sensibly. As for advice – do not bid last minute or you may just miss a wonderful opportunity.