The Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione: A Time Capsule of Rally Greatness

There are cars, and then there are legends. The Lancia Delta HF Integrale is unquestionably the latter, a machine that dominated the world of rally racing and carved a permanent place for itself in the hearts of motoring enthusiasts everywhere. But even within the pantheon of rally gods, some examples stand out more than others. This particular 1991 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione, soon to be offered by RM Sotheby’s, isn’t just a car; it’s a veritable time capsule, a pristine artifact from a golden age of motorsport that has miraculously survived the decades in an unrestored state of glorious originality.

The Evoluzione was Lancia’s final, defiant roar in the World Rally Championship. Built as a homologation special to meet Group A regulations, it took the already formidable Integrale and transformed it into an even more aggressive brute. The track was widened, the wheel arches were impossibly flared, and the car was given a more menacing stance with bonnet vents, a larger grille, and a definitive tailgate spoiler—all designed to improve cooling and airflow on the punishing stages.

Underneath this muscular shell, the upgrades were just as purposeful, with a strengthened suspension, a front strut brace, and a larger steering box. The remapped 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four was a masterpiece, delivering a potent 210 horsepower and, for the first time in a Delta, breaking the magical 100-horsepower-per-liter mark.

But what makes this specific Italian-market example so compelling is not just its pedigree, but its astonishing backstory and condition. Delivered new in December 1991, the original owner from San Gemini was so determined to preserve its pristine state that he insisted the dealer leave all protective coverings in place. The dealer principal, Sandro Barcaroli, reportedly reinforced this with a now-legendary note scrawled in red lipstick on the dash cover: “Do not remove cellophane. Do not wash. Do not remove sponges from inside the engine bay.”

This car was cherished, not just as a vehicle, but as a piece of history. Retained within the family for over 30 years, it now shows fewer than 6,550 kilometers on the clock and is remarkably preserved, with even its 1991 date-coded tires still in place, a testament to a lifetime of careful ownership. For those looking to own a piece of automotive perfection, this stunning example is expected to fetch between $90,000 and $130,000 at auction.

The car’s desirability is further amplified by its rare factory specifications. Finished in a beautifully understated combination of White over Green perforated Alcantara, it features a list of performance-focused options that are the stuff of legend, including Recaro seats, Bosch anti-lock braking, air conditioning, and a split rear seat. Crucially, it was ordered without a sunroof, a clear signal of its motorsport intentions.

More importantly, this is reportedly one of just 200 “true” homologation examples produced with a special-purpose water bag designed to cool the turbo intercooler during intense use—a genuine rally feature that most other cars had disconnected. This example retains its fully factory-connected system, with all hoses still date-stamped from 1991, making it a true grail for any serious collector.

Having recently benefited from a comprehensive full service by a recognised specialist, this Delta is not just a museum piece; it’s a car that is ready to be driven and appreciated. The Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione represents an era of visceral, analogue driving—a superb balance and pure, unfiltered performance that few modern cars can replicate. With its unique backstory, pristine originality, and an inventory of outstanding documentation, this is a true jewel and among the very best Integrale examples in existence. It’s a chance to own not just a car, but a legend in its most honest and unblemished form.

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