An Evoluzione Martini 6 version of Lancia’s fabled Delta Integrale is a special car in anyone’s estimation, but this example, which is going under the hammer at Historics at Brooklands’ 12 March sale, is more special than most.
The Martini-liveried 1992 example – number 44 of a total production run of just 310 – was built to commemorate Lancia’s sixth successive World Rally Championship, and was carefully specified by Fiat chief Giovanni Agnelli, for use by his family. It is expected to sell for between £48,000 and £60,000.
After rolling off the production line, the Integrale was spirited away to a special department in Fiat’s Mirafiori plant where the Agnelli family cars were prepared under the supervision of Rodolfo Gaffing di Rossi, who is now director of the Museo di Automobili in Turin. There, it received reconfigured suspension, larger air vents behind the front wheels and an electrically-operated roof spoiler, and finished with a Delta Integrale Club Italy plaque bearing Agnelli’s initials.
The car is believed to have been driven by the Fiat bosses son, Edoardo, and features a more restrained Martini livery than that on the other limited edition cars – though the original decals are supplied with the car. It was enjoyed sparingly following Edoardo’s death in 2000, before being sold and imported into the UK.
“I was present when my friend Mike Matthews bought this car on a trip to Turin and can personally vouch for its superb provenance, which mysteriously includes a number of original push buttons whose purpose was never identified, and which will provide and interesting investigation for the next owner,” said Paul Baker, vice president of the Lancia Motor Club.
Nine years later the car was bought by the current vendor, who commissioned a cosmetic restoration before returning the livery to its original specification using photographic records. It’s also benefited from a new clutch and has a valid MoT certificate.
Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC