1994 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo 2 'Giallo Ginestra'

• One of a believed 220 examples produced
• Delivered new in Italy
• Original fabric interior

From the mid-1960s until the early 1990s, Lancia was a major force in international rallying, winning the World Rally Championship for Makes no fewer than 11 times between 1972 and 1992, including a remarkable six successive victories commencing in 1987. During the same period, Lancia drivers won the European Rally Championship on 14 occasions and the World Drivers' Championship (instigated in 1978) four times. The models used - Fulvia HF, Stratos, Rally 037, and the Delta family (S4, HF, and Integrale) - are among the most successful rally cars of all time.

After experimenting with a system combining both a conventional (Volumex) supercharger and a turbo on their 'homologation special' Delta S4 rally car, Lancia opted for turbo-charging alone for the less exotic Delta HF. Already a fine handling car courtesy of its tuned suspension, the HF moved up a class with the introduction of a state-of-the-art four-wheel-drive transmission.

Badged as the Delta HF 4WD on its introduction in 1986, the model retained the Volumex blower before switching to a straightforward turbo when transformed into the Integrale in 1987. The latter would prove a supremely capable rally car, winning the World Championship in both 1987 and 1988, yet in road trim remained a thoroughly practical family hatchback. Integrale performance was boosted further by the introduction of a 16-valve cylinder head for the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in 1989, maximum power increasing to 200bhp and top speed to 220km/h.

Homologated to maintain the works rally team's competitive edge, the first Evoluzione models were manufactured towards the end of 1991, incorporating wider front and rear track, appropriately altered bodywork, and an engine re-mapped to produce 210bhp among many other detail improvements. The Evo 2 was essentially the same but with a catalyst in the exhaust system.

Lancia also offered a host of limited-edition Integrale variants, most notably the Martini 5, Martini 6, Club Italia, Edizione Finale, Dealers' Collection, Verde York, and Giallo Ginestra, as seen here. One of a believed 220 examples produced, this example was delivered new in Italy in 1994 and remained there with its first owner until 2004 when it changed hands at 58,000 kilometres, passing to its second owner in France. In 2016, at 64,000 kilometres, the Lancia passed to its third owner, another Frenchman, before moving to the current owner in 2018 at 68,000 kilometres.

Currently equipped with 17-inch wheels and a stainless steel exhaust, the car comes with its four original 16-inch wheels as well as its original exhaust, which will be given to the next owner. Offered with current French registration papers, user guide, file of invoices, and a technical inspection certificate, this nice Giallo Ginestra represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the rarest, most desirable and increasingly collectible sporting road cars of its era.