1985 Lancia Delta S4 Hatchback Sedan

This purpose-built Lanica S4 Delta coupe was first used as a factory test car for snow rallying in preparation for the World Rally Championship events. It was designed to compete in the Group B competition class for the World Rally Championship. When introduced, it was revealed in the popular Martini color scheme featuring a white body with blue and red stripes. It has an extremely well-documented and interesting history, as it was used for snow tests and raced extensively in the Italian hill climb circuit. It won the Italian hill climb Championship in 1987 before being retired in 1988.

This Group B rally car is powered by a 1759.3cc four-cylinder engine with combined supercharging and turbocharging that is rated an impressive 480 horsepower from the factory, but in the real world, it is closer to 560 horsepower. The Group B era lasted from 1983 until it was banned in 1986. Between October 1985 and 1986, Lancia built 200 examples of a road-going version of the Delta S4, officially named Lancia Delta S4 but widely known as 'Stradale.' Lancia claimed the car could reach a top speed of 140 mph and accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in six seconds. In contrast to its bare-bones racing sisters, the S4 Stradale featured an Alcantara-upholstered interior, sound deadening, a suede steering wheel, and was equipped with power steering, a trip computer, and air conditioning.

The mid-ship mounted engine allowed for greater balance and improved handling. It also features a full-time all-wheel drive. Extensive use of high-tech super lightweight materials such as Kevlar and carbon fiber were used wherever possible to keep the overall car weight to a minimum. This car also exhibits numerous advanced features with several spoilers and winglets to assist in keeping it on the ground as it rushes through the course.