1985 Lancia Delta S4 Hatchback Sedan

FIA Group B World Rally Championship racing, from 1982 to 1986, had few restrictions and rapidly evolved thanks to Space Age exotic materials, turbo-boosted horsepower, and technical ingenuity. The car's speed and performance progressed so quickly that safety precautions were unable to keep up, and the number of accidents quickly rose, causing the sanctioning body to disestablish the class.

The rally cars that raced during this period are some of the most memorable. Lancia had their Fulvia HF, Stratos, and 037, While Audi had their Quattro - the first rally car to feature four-wheel drive. The Quattro the AWD's potential by winning the championship in 1982 and 1984. Lancia's response was the Delta S4 in 1985, which featured a tubular space frame, fully adjustable suspension, lightweight composite bodywork, a transmission driving all four wheels, and a diminutive, twin-charged – turbo and supercharged – 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that could output over 500 bhp. Zero-to-sixty was accomplished in about two seconds. The Delta S4's first competitive outing was at the 1985 RAC Rally, which it won. Markku Alen would finish the following year in second place in the driver's championship.

Homologation requirements for Group B racing required at least 200 'Stradale' - or street - versions of the model to be built.

This particular example is a Lancia Delta S4 Stradale that was previously finished in Verde York. It is now finished in its original factory red, with a Beige Alcantara interior. It has power steering, a trip computer, carpeting, and air conditioning. Power is from a 1759cc dual overhead cam four-cylinder unit fitted with a Weber Marelli IAW Electronic Fuel Injection system, Duel Stepped Volumex Supercharger and KKK Turbocharger. The 300 horsepower produced by the engine is sent to all four wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

This car has been given a comprehensive restoration that brought it up to Potenziato specification. It has an upgraded clutch, engine software, exhaust, and wider rear wheels and tires.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2016