Successor to the 037, the Lancia Delta Integrale stands as the single most successful Group A competitor of all time, as well as the winningest rally car in history, amassing some 46 race wins and half-a-dozen constructors’ titles over the course of just six seasons from 1987 to ’92. Unsurprisingly, the Group A homologation special’s unparalleled rally competition pedigree has made it one of the most sought-after Italian cars ever, which is why when an ultra-clean ’89 example recently crossed the online auction block, it more than piqued our interest.
At the heart of the Lancia is a Garrett T3 turbocharger-equipped 2.0L DOHC 16-valve inline-four engine — with 61,499 miles on the odo — that’s mated to a five-speed manual transmission that sends power to the Lancia’s rally-developed four-wheel-drive system. Riding on a set of rally-spec OZ Racing Wheels shod in Michelin rubber, this modified example boasts a period-correct, hood-mounted quad PIAA halogen H7 light-pod setup, upgraded Selex street suspension, an aftermarket torsion bar, and an up-specced complete exhaust system. Fitted with a factory sunroof, the interior of the car features a Martini-emblem-adorned three-spoke steering wheel, GT2i four-point harnesses, and a full Alpine sound system with an 8” sub. The Group A icon comes adorned in a custom Martini-liveried vinyl wrap that protects the underlying paint and can be removed at any time for a more subtle appearance. In December of last year, Georgia-based classic car restoration specialists Rage Machines treated the ’89 Integrale to a major servicing that included a complete engine refresh and the addition of new top-shelf Brembo brakes. And while all Delta Integrale specimens are undeniably elite and rare cars, this particular example is what is referred to as a “Non-Kat” spec, meaning it didn’t receive the catalytic converter and eight-valve engine setup found on the Kat-spec models — watered-down examples created to meet the increasingly stringent emissions standards in some European markets.
Located in Alpharetta, Georgia, this non-Kat 1989 Lancia Delta Integrale 16V (VIN# ZLA831AB000473965) is currently sitting on Collecting Cars’ online auction block where, as of the time of writing, bidding has reached $50,000 with three days remaining on the sale.
