1990 Lancia Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16V

Despite the fact that the 8 valve Integrale had dominated the 1988 World Rally Championship, Lancia knew that further upgrades, and particularly more power, were needed to keep the car competitive with newer rivals. Accordingly, the extensively developed 16 valve car appeared a short time later, and made a winning debut on the 1989 San Remo Rally.

The 16v Integrale was launched at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show and the new car could be distinguished from its predecessor by the raised bonnet centre section to accommodate the, slightly taller, 16 valve engine. Other visible exterior changes were wider wheels and tyres and new identity badges front and rear. The torque split was changed to 47% front and 53% rear to give the car better handling characteristics.

The turbocharged 2-litre Lancia engine, already a powerful, refined performer was further developed for the Integrale 16v. Generating 200 bhp. (149 kW) at 5500 rpm, it took the car to a maximum speed of 137 mph (220 km/h) and from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.5 seconds. Larger injectors provided higher power output and more effective use of the fuel feed at high engine speeds. The response of the Garrett T3 turbocharger was immediate, thanks to the reduced inertia of the turbine removing turbo-lag, and a highly efficient intercooler enabled the engine to run at high outputs for longer without compromising reliability. The new over-boost system used a proportional electrovalve to increase engine torque to 220 lb/ft (298 N•m) at 3,000 rpm. All these improvements made the road-going version of the Integrale 16v a spirited, reliable and inherently safe car.

This superb, left-hand drive, Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16v is finished in lovely Nero Metallic with a Grey Harlem interior. Showing 74,500kms (46,000mls), the car is presented in excellent order having spent most of its life in the ownership of a European collector, who cherished the little Lancia and took it with him whenever he moved.

First registered in Spain, and later in Holland, a move to Switzerland dictated that he, sadly, had to part with the car as the big Turbo and the lack of a Catalytic Convertor meant that the car fell foul of local regulations and could not be registered.

Very rarely found in this condition, this Delta comes with the relevant Manuals and a stamped history book and is UK Registered with all taxes paid. The car has had a recent Full Service including the, all important, Cam Belt replacement.

A real stunner, these 4 wheel drive pocket rockets are great fun to drive and are gaining real traction in the market as usable future classics.