VIN: the Martini Racing Lancia Delta S4 Evoluzione chassis 205
History of chassis 205
Chassis 205 was the second Delta S4 Evoluzione to appear in competition.
The first (chassis 201) had debuted in April 1985 as the course car for the Rally Costa Smerelda. This was followed by two outings in national rallies during July: first at at the Rallye de 1000 Pistes in a specially laid on Experimental class and then the Rallye Colline di Romagna which was the model’s first truly competitive showing.
Having won the Colline di Romagna event with ease, Lancia optimistically headed to Portugal for the Algarve Rally at the end of October. This event was a round of the European Rally Championship and Lancia were given special dispensation to run as the Delta S4’s much-delayed homologation application was finally scheduled to go through on the rally’s opening day (October 31st).
Chassis 205 (registered A6 37179) was selected for the three day event which took place over 545km of gravel tracks.
By this time, the S4 had been significantly improved thanks to an intensive test programme although its handling was still far from perfect.
As had been the case for the S4’s opening three appearances, the Algarve Rally would be contested by Lancia’s number one crew, Markku Alen and Ilkka Kivimaki.
Unfortunately, Alen and Kivimaki were delayed early on with a broken rear differential which meant they arrived at parc ferme outside the allotted time. They nevertheless were given permission to continue, but retired for good on the final leg with a broken propshaft.
Chassis 205 was subsequently used as a test and spare car throughout 1986, but was never rallied again in period.
Notable History
Lancia Martini
31/10/1985 ERC Rali Algarve (M. Alen / I. Kivimaki) DNF (#1)
Subsequently used as a test / spare car
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Lancia - https://www.lancia.com
