The Incredible Lancia Delta Integrale
Back in the 1980s Lancia were at the very forefront of world rallying, winning just about everything in sight with the awesome mid-engined Delta S4. But with the demise of the Group B rally era after one accident too many, a new approach was called for. And that was to lead to one of the finest road weapons around, the Lancia Delta Integrale. The recipe involved taking the boxy Guigiaro-designed Delta and adding an 8-valve 185 bhp turbo-charged engine and a four-wheel drive system, creating yet another rally winner. An even madder Evo version with 210bhp was to follow in 1991, but in the middle sat perhaps the best example available, the 16v.
With its dramatically sculpted bonnet, bulging wheelarches, and gorgeous ‘Speedline’ alloy wheels, the 16v used its 200bhp to good effect. 60mph was despatched in a quick-for-the-time 6.3 seconds, and with a fixed 47:53 front/rear torque split, the handling was sublime. Optional ABS brakes meant it stopped as well as it went too, which is probably just as well.
The Integrale looked the part on the inside too, with a well-stocked dashboard that gave you all the information you needed whether you were attacking a rally stage or a trip to the shops. Heavily bolstered seats covered in Alcantara only added to the experience. Incidentally, all Integrales were originally left-hand drive and this is how they should stay – a number of companies offered conversions to right-hand drive but these used the steering rack from more mundane Fiat/Lancia models, losing some of the sharpness that made the original so great.
Buying One
Buying carefully and avoiding cheap examples is an absolute must with the Integrale. The performance and handling on offer means many have been thrashed or worse still, crashed, and these are to be avoided at all costs. You’ll also want to make sure the car has an unimpeachable service history from a reputable specialist. The Integrale is much more robust than you’d think but only with proper care. But it is still a Lancia, which means corrosion could be lurking in a number of areas. The doors, wings, wheelarches, sills, valances, tailgate, and screen surrounds should all come in for close attention. And get a look at the floorpan and front cross-member if you can too. The bodyshell can develop cracks around the pillars, while any signs of accident repair should be treated with caution.
The earlier 8v engine is considered to be pretty bullet-proof, but the 16-valver needs regular cambelt changes if disaster is to be avoided. Watch for signs of oils leaks too, as well as coolant leaks from around the water pump – neither are particularly serious but are common issues. Poor running or a wavering idle point to fuel-injection problems, while the use of synthetic oil is a must for longevity – check that the history confirms this.
Good news is that the rest of the driveline is pretty strong though you’ll want to check for any signs of clutch slippage or nasty noises from the 4WD system as both will be costly to put right. Brake calipers can seize on lightly used cars while the handbrake is a known weak point, so check it works. Tired suspension bushes aren’t expensive to replace, but the Integrale is sensitive to correct wheel alignment, so watch out for uneven tyre wear or an odd feel to the handling.
Lastly, try to avoid examples with a tatty interior. Creaks and rattles are almost to be expected, but re-trimming and bringing defunct electrics back to life can be a costly business.
Verdict
If you are fan of 80’s rally machinery but think the Audi Quattro is all a bit too ‘DCI Gene Hunt’, then the Integrale is definitely for you. Yes, it needs careful buying – ‘buy the best you can afford’ is a sensible mantra here – but get a good one and you are unlikely to be disappointed. And if the snow does arrive this winter, you’ll certainly be well-prepared.