General
General

Delta-technology for
the streets

The first all-wheel-version of Lancia Delta – Delta HF 4WD – was presented in 1986. Within a short period of time, Delta became a bestseller and controlled the market of all-wheel sports vehicles. Due to permission regulations in rally sports, about 5,000 vehicles were produced within a year.

During the next years, styling and technology were considerably enhanced and changed. However, the basic concept remained unchanged. From that time, Lancia’s all-wheel vehicles were called “HF Integrale” as add-on.

After selling about 25,000 units and the victory of five wold championships in a row, in 1991 Lancia decided on the latest and most distinctive level of evolution. Mechanics, coachwork, exterior and interior were re-engineered. In total, this last model was limited with about 13,500 units and exclusive and limited special series were configured until the end of 1995.

HF
HF

Symbol of sportiness

HF – this reminds us of Lancia rally winners, who have already become myth. It is the abbreviation for “High Fidelity” and has since the foundation in 1960 been used for the Lancia Hi.Fi.-Club, whose members are notably loyal Lancia customers.

The little galloping elephant is even older. This symbol was chosen as talisman of Gianni Lancia, former managing director, for the first sport activities in the early 1950s.

The sign originates from the Oriental/Indian mythology, where it was known as a symbol of success and as talisman. Originally, the elephant was portrayed in blue – later on it was used in deep red.

HF and elephant are thus the two symbols that have accompanied the history, development and successes of all sporty Lancia’s.

hf-symbold-der-sportlichkeit
Motorsport
delta-historic-erfolge-ueberlegenheit-im-rallysport
Motorsport

Motorsport characterized
by winners

Motorsport activities have ever been a companion of the noble brand Lancia. Beside numerous victories with legendary models like Stratos, 037, but also Delta S4, Lancia Delta is the most successful model till these days.

Achievements

Rallying superiority

1987
The starting point of a long-lasting dominance in rally championships goes back till 1987. The Delta 4WD wins the prestigious Rally Monte Carlo. Drivers like Juha Kankkunen or Miki Biasion became acrobats behind the steering wheel and real personalities, who would be missed in today’s times of an almost “sterile” motorsport.
1988
The series of success lasted for the whole year: 9 victories in 12 starts resulted into winning the manufacturers’ championship, which was already won long before the end of the season. In 1988 the 4WD repeatedly won the famous “Monte” before being replaced by its successor, the Integrale, which won the world championship for Lancia again.
1989 – 1990
A new era began. In 1989 victories in Monte Carlo, Portugal, Safari Rally, Tour de Corse, Acropolis and also Argentina followed. The season brings another world championship title and ends with Integrale’s victory with its new 16 valve engine at Rally of San Remo. In 1990, Lancia again won the world championship title and hence succeeded the fourth time in a row. Despite extremely tough competition, Lancia again succeeded and early won the world championship the fifth time in a row. Juha Kankkunen became driver world champion in a very thrilling last run of the season, the RAC Rally. Then, competitors were gaining in terms of technology. Lancia was looking for new ways, in order to keep the competition at a distance.
1992
Time has come for the Integrale Evolution. At the beginning of the season 1992, the company hat to adapt to some changes, because they decided to close the Abarth works division. Martini Racing and Jolly Club jumped in, guaranteed a professional execution and triumphed in the following world championship season. There were many opponents, but no one was really able to stop it – neither in the heat of Africa, nor in the snowy Finland. Winning the Rally World Championship 1992 the sixth time in a row, Lancia Delta Integrale was the most successful vehicle of all times and thus making history in rally sports.