Three Classic to Consider (Part III)

Modern Classic

LANCIA DELTA HF INTEGRALE (1987 – 1991)

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The Lancia Delta HF Integrale is a direct descendent of the Delta HF 4WD group B rally car with a 2.0 litre twin-cam engine and balance shafts. The Integrale came with permanent four-wheel drive and a Garrett T3 Turbo charger creating 185 bhp.

All Delta Integrale’s are left hand drive cars although can be successfully converted to right hand drive models.

In 1989 a 16 valve version designed for rallying, made its winning debut at the San Remo rally in 1989. Upgrades included a revised Garrett Turbo charger, wider wheels and tyres and a revised torque split of 47 percent to the front and 53 percent to the rear. The 16 valve engine producing 210 bhp but slightly less overall torque of 215 lb ft as opposed to the 8 valves 224 lb ft.

The Delta was one of the most successful rally cars in the World. Winning the World Rally Championship six times between 1987 and 1992 and 46 Championship events before withdrawing at the end of the 1993 season.

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SPECIFICATION LANCIA DELTA HF INTEGRALE (1987 – 1991)

Years Produced

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1987 - 1991

Performance

0-60 mph 6.5 sec / Top Speed 133 mph

Power & Torque

185 bhp / 224 Ib ft

Engine

1995 cc four cylinder 8 valves / turbo charged

Drive-train

Front engine AWD

Transmission

Five speed manual

Weight

1267 kg

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EXTERIOR

Early Delta’s were always known for rust problems but as Lancia continually tackled this problem, later models such as the Integrale improved. However there are still one or two problem areas to look out for such as the front pillars around the windscreen tends to rust eventually compromising rigidity and also the rear tailgate is prone to rust so check the small lip of steel above the tailgate for signs. Front door leading edges are also a cause for concern as are rear wheel arches so examine the whole car for corrosion issues or poor repair work.

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UNDER THE BONNET

Turbo engines can be problematic so it is important to make sure the car has been serviced properly at the recommend intervals. Deltas are now nearly 30 years old and will probably have had the original turbo replaced so check the documented history for this. Brake callipers are known to seize on the Delta so check to see the condition of these as a lot of dirt and mud can be thrown up from the road.

Turbo injection Delta’s have an oil cooler, expect corrosion on the unions at the end of the pipe but don’t leave it unmanaged as eventually the car will spring a leak. Cam belt changes should be done at 60.000 km on the 8v and 40,000 km on the 16v so check the cars history for this.

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INTERESTING FACT

A special limited edition of the HF, named HF Martini integrale, launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1984. To celebrate the rally victories of the Lancia-Martini Rally car it was painted white with a Martini stripe on the side; Martini interior with Recaro Seats where standard. Only 150 where produced between 1984 and 1985.

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