1989 Lancia Delta HF Turbo i.e.

Never has the collective memory of a car been so dominated by the reputation of one model like the Lancia Delta. It feels almost impossible to say without tacking 'Integrale' on the end, as if that was the only one ever to exist then seamlessly adding 'Evo I', 'Evo II', 'Martini 5' etc. With good reason, too. Four-wheel drive, turbocharged Lancia hatches famously dominated rallying for a very long time, and were adored by enthusiasts for even longer. It was the original super-hatch and perfectly demonstrated why compact dimensions, turbo torque, good visibility and four-wheel drive work so well in the UK.

But the Delta had existed for years before the four-wheel drive models were sold as just another family hatch, like a Golf. This being the 1980s, however, Lancia felt that the time was right for a hot-hatch version of the Delta, particularly if a turbo was added to the mix. So, in 1985, the Delta HF (High Fidelity) arrived with motivation provided by a 1.6-litre, 8-valve, turbocharged four-cylinder with Weber IAW integrated electronic ignition and fuel-injection generating 138bhp, delivered to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. The cars were now known as Delta HF Turbo i.e.

This impressive example was supplied new in right-hand drive in August 1989 by Lancia Main Agent, Bauer Millet Ltd in Manchester to its first keeper, a Lancia devotee and Lancia Car Club GB member, who retained ownership until 2022, a period of some 32 years. It's finished in Quartz Grey Metallic with a grey Alcantara cloth-trimmed cabin, with striped fabric inserts on the seat centres and door cards, and sits on a set of virtually unmarked ‘pepper pot’ 15" diameter 4-bolt alloys. Having been fully Dinitrol protected in 1991, the overall condition remains outstanding throughout and the car remains in its original specification, retaining its original registration number, G73 PBU, and still sporting its original factory paintwork. It has been fastidiously maintained by Ferrari specialists, R&D Automotive in Manchester as and when required and recently presented for an MOT inspection passing with flying colours and without advisories. Some cars just look right, they sit all-square and look comfortable within their own skin and this beautifully presented little Delta is one of those.

It's accompanied by a comprehensive history file that includes numerous invoices detailing works carried out over the years, older MOTs, its original Bill of Sale, its dealer book pack and a custom-made car cover.

This a rare opportunity to acquire what we understand to be one of just 27 right-hand drive HF Turbos still road-registered in the UK and, with just one previous recorded keeper and a low recorded mileage of just under 48,000, this is one example that will be welcome at any Lancia gathering or will be equally at home forming part of any related collection, a rare and desirable Lancia that will not disappoint. Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged.