Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evolution Works Group A Rally, 1990

Chassis No.: ZLA831AB000500836

£225,000 | Sold

An all time great and a genuine piece of WRC history. Few cars encapsulate the drama and excitement of World Championship rallying more effectively than the Group 'A' Lancia Delta HF Integrale. From its introduction as a replacement for the Group 'B' cars in the 1987 WRC to the final year of competition in 1993, the Lancia Delta reigned supreme, taking 46 world championship rally wins, and claiming the Constructors Championship for Lancia a record six times back to back. The car presented here is a true rally legend and a piece of WRC history. This wonderful Lancia Abarth Delta was registered 'TO 23905P' (Abarth internal number 045).

Abarth was, and is, a part of the FIAT group and this car was campaigned as an official Lancia Abarth works rally entrant in the 1990 World Rally Championship, piloted by the four-times World Rally Champion Juha Kankkunen. Adorned in the celebrated Martini Racing colours, and with Pironen at his side, they achieved 5th position in 1000 Lakes Rally (bearing race No.2) Its second triumph in 1990, was as a Jolly Club car, being driven by Cerrato/Cerri, this time in FINA livery, achieving a 4th position in the San Remo rally (bearing race No.4). Finally that year, again as a Jolly Club entrant, Droogmans/Joosten steered the car to 10th place in the RAC Rally (bearing race No.17).

These results are documented in Paolo Alessi's Lancia Rally Historic Registry and in reference book 'Lancia Delta HF Integrale, the Story of a Champion' by Werner Blaettel & Gerhard D Wagner. Importantly, the car is accompanied by an authenticity package from the Jolly Club, including photographs, confirming its status and provenance. On the 22nd March 1991 the car was transferred to HF-Grifone SRL (with an accompanying invoice) and, now in ESSO colours, was driven by Tabaton. As confirmed by accompanying invoices from CECOMP and HF-Grifone SRL, during March 1992, the car was converted from 16v to HF Evoluzione (Deltona) specification.

CECOMP Spa is an Italian automotive company that specialises in developing prototypes and models for car manufacturers and, at the time, prepared the official cars for Lancia Abarth. Interesting, as this was the first car to be updated, it bears chassis number CECOMP '0001'. These EVO modifications effectively gave the car superior handling qualities, enabling it to travel significantly faster over both tarmac and gravel rally stages. On the 2nd February 1994, the car was sold to Deila SRL (with an accompanying invoice) and then again on the 27th December 1994 to renowned Lancia/Fiat specialists 'Walkers Garage Ltd.' of Yorkshire (with an accompanying invoice).

It was campaigned by them, whilst being driven by Steve Smith, achieving three top finishes in the 1995 – 1997 National Rally Championships. In 2000, the car was bought by our vendor, who competed in the 2000 Wales Rally GB and Silverstone Rally Sport events. During his ownership, our vendor decided to continue to have Walkers Garage Ltd. maintain the car, as they held it in such high admiration and knew it so well. The current specification of the car remains Group A with R090 transmission, IAW 90 engine electronics, and the latest specification Magnetti digital dashboard. In recent years it has covered little mileage and has enjoyed some fresh paintwork.

The car has not been modified from original specification, except to satisfy UK RACMSA Rally regulations, and is now in good condition, finished in the classic Martini colours, and set up for tarmac. The car remains on its original Italian registration TO 23905P and is accompanied by its Italian Rally Logbook. This is a real opportunity to acquire a rare example of a legendary rally car from a very special era, which could prove a worthy addition to any collection or an extremely capable participant in the historic rally scene. As part of the sale, the car is accompanied by a complete spot-light pod, an unused sump guard and an alloy fuel funnel.

A further spares package is also available to purchase seperately (please enquire for details). (The majority of the photos seen here and used on any associated social media are credited to renowned publication 'Auto Italia' magazine - used with thanks)

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