1991 LANCIA DELTA INTEGRALE EVOLUZIONE

This 1991 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione is a remarkably low-mileage example, with a smart factory colour scheme, and presented in superb condition. It is powered by Lancia’s renowned 210hp turbocharged 2.0-litre twin-cam 16-valve engine, paired with a ZF five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 36,296 km (22,553 miles) from new.

First registered in April 1992 in Japan, it was specified in the rare Evo 1 colour combination of Lord Blue with grey Alcantara upholstery. The Japanese history is comprehensive with services at 1,504 km, 4,154 km, 6,095 km, 13,780 km, 20,489 km and 24,270 km before the car was imported to the UK in late 2015, with EU taxes paid. The seller is the first and only UK owner and has enjoyed some 2,600 dry miles on the road, documented in a detailed driver’s log. Full service history since being in the UK shows visits exclusively to Lancia specialist Auto Integrale in Reading at 32,172 km, 32,714 km, 33,509 km, 34,402 km, 35,121 km and 36,141 km – the latter in September last year.

The seller reports that this Integrale Evo 1 has an outstanding rust-free shell and that the underside is in superb condition. The only minor cosmetic blemishes noted are evidence of a brake fluid spill on the nearside wheel arch, a scratch on the offside rear C-pillar, and some stone chips on the lower front door panels and the bonnet, with the latter having been touched in.

Paintwork on the front bumper has been renewed during the vendor’s ownership and the finish on the roof is said to be near flawless. All of the remaining exterior trim is in great shape, and the light lenses are free of cracks and chips. The only non-standard parts fitted are the uprated PIAA headlights, stainless steel exhaust and Tarox brake discs. The car sits on the original set of 15-inch light alloy Speedline wheels, which have never needed refurbishment.

In the cabin, the interior trim remains original and is in very good condition. It features Recaro sports seats in grey Alcantara at the front and the same upholstery for the unmarked bench seat in the back. As expected there is some minor wear and slight fraying of the fabric on the driver’s seat bolster, but it is otherwise in fantastic order.

The front and rear door cards are pristine and still protected by their plastic transport covers. The steering wheel is a brand-new example of the factory-correct Momo item, which is unique to the ‘Evo 1’, with the original wheel also included in the sale. All of the instrument gauges work perfectly without exception. A period Sony stereo head unit and cassette player is installed and while the radio aerial is currently not working, there are no other electrical faults.

The roof lining remains uncommonly taut and clean for an Integrale of this age while, at the back of the car, the parcel shelf remains immaculate and unblemished by any aftermarket speakers. The spare wheel and storage bag are present as is the under-bonnet insulation - another rare find on a 1991 Integrale. The seller notes that the plastic cover over the rear suspension mount is missing.

According to the seller, this Evo 1 is mechanically outstanding and ready to be enjoyed. The suspension has been completely overhauled during his ownership, to standard factory specifications. Its last scheduled maintenance was in September 2019, at Lancia specialist Auto Integrale. This comprised an engine oil and oil filter change, fitment of a new pair of standard anti-roll bars along with new seals and re-gassing of the air-conditioning system.

Prior to this, it was serviced in March 2018, which included a fresh set of spark plugs, replacement of the power steering oil cooler hose and renewal of the power steering fluid. During an annual engine oil service in March 2017, the torque splitter casing was replaced, a new set of coil springs was fitted, the track rod ends were renewed and a four-wheel alignment was carried out.

The cambelt and balance belt were last replaced in April 2016, and during that year it was also fitted with a fresh set of Continental tyres, a new clutch, new ignition system, new intercooler, and reconditioned steering rack. The power steering pump was replaced, along with the water pump, suspension top mounts and all four shock absorbers. Various differential and gearbox bearings were renewed and the exhaust was upgraded to a Ragazzon ‘Group N’ stainless steel system. A bonnet vent water deflector was installed to keep the spark plugs dry and the windscreen wipers were replaced.

Its most recent MOT test was on 12 September 2019 at 36,141 km (22,456 miles), which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. In fact, over the last four annual MOT tests since it has been in the UK, covering more than 4,000 km on the road, it has never had so much as one single advisory or warning. The alloy wheels are fitted with a set of Continental PremiumContact tyres in the correct 205/50 R15 size, which remain in excellent condition with plenty of tread. The majority of the 2,600 UK miles were driven on a set of replica 16-inch wheels wearing Toyo Proxes, to keep the original wheels in superb order.

Accompanying the car is a detailed record of the service history from Japan, as well as a copy of the auction sheet from 2015 that graded the car as 4B, confirming its excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition. An original Integrale Evoluzione brochure is also included, along with a complete set of owner’s manuals and numerous invoices for the comprehensive work done in the UK by Integrale specialists since its arrival.

This Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione is a wonderful low-mileage example, boasting superb history and as well as a thorough mechanical overhaul since arriving in the UK, to the original factory specifications. Arguably the definitive rally-derived hot hatch, it would be very hard to find another Evo 1 in such impressive and unmolested mechanical and cosmetic condition - so this car is an opportunity not to be missed.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the car is not included in the sale. It will be switched back to another age-related registration plate in the event of a successful auction.