One to Buy: 23,000km 1 of 400 1992 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione Martini 5
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To keep the ageing but effective HF Integrale ahead of the competition for what would be the Delta’s fifth season in the World Rally Championship, Lancia produced their most extreme iteration of the car yet: the Evoluzione.
The suspension, brakes, wheels and steering all came in for attention while re-mapped engine management software boosted power by 5%. Cosmetically, bigger wheelarch extensions, deeper side skirts, improved cooling solutions and an adjustable rear spoiler gave the Evoluzione an even more aggressive appearance.
In terms of driveability and roadholding, the revamped model was a big step forward.
To help boost sales, several special editions were produced, the first of which to arrived was the Martini 5 in January 1992. 400 were built to celebrate Lancia’s 1991 World Rally Championship (the fifth consecutive time a Delta had secured the Manufacturer’s title).
Each car was painted white with body-coloured wheels and Martini stripes to the flanks and tailgate. New high-backed HF-embossed Recaro front seats were upholstered in black alcantara with red stitching. Red seat belts were fitted and each car received a numbered plaque on the centre console plus a ‘World Rally Champion’ badge on the tailgate.
One of these 400 desirable Martini 5 editions is currently on offer as part of Issimi’s North American listings.
Originally delivered new to Japan, this exceptional California-registered example (chassis ZLA831AB000568599) has covered just over 21,000km from and must rank among the finest examples in existence.
In addition to the 16-inch wheels currently fitted, the car is supplied with the original 15-inch rims plus the original book pack and jack.
