One to Buy: Uniquely Configured ex-Gianni Agnelli 1992 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione Martini 6
Of the myriad special editions offered by Lancia on the Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione platform, arguably the most spectacular was the Evo 1-based Martini 6 produced to celebrate the firm’s sixth Manufacturers’ title in the World Rally Championship which it achieved during the 1992 season.
A heavily stickered exterior inspired by the works cars driven to victory in eight rounds of the 1992 WRC was pretty wild, but inside Lancia turned it up to eleven with Martini light blue alcantara upholstery for the seats and door panel inserts plus contrast red stitching and seatbelts. High-backed Recaro seats featured HF-embossed headrests and each of the 310 cars built came with a unique numbered plaque.
Today, every one of these Martini 6 specials is a highly regarded collector’s piece, but currently on offer at the DK Engineering showroom in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, is perhaps the most special of all: number 44.
Created for Fiat boss and Italy’s most famous industrialist, Gianni Agnelli, who owned a series of specially configured cars during his lifetime, number 44 was secretly developed to a unique configuration by Autec SrL in Vicenza who were commissioned to carry out many special projects on the Fiat Group’s behalf.
For number 44, Autec fitted a blueprinted engine, uprated suspension, an electric rear spoiler, full-length vertical brake cooling vents on the front fenders, an electric cover for the audio system and custom Abarth branding for the exterior.
Having been retained by the Agnelli family until 2001, number 44 has in more recent times been the subject of a ground up restoration. It is being offered with a little over 37,000km on the odometer and comes complete with a fully documented history.
Reprinted below is DK Engineering’s description:
1 of 310 Delta HF Integrale Evolution I 'Martini 6'
Built to celebrate the 6th consecutive World Rally Championship manufacturers title
Supplied new to Fiat's covert in-house design consultancy Autec Srl for use by Gianni Agnelli
Numerous bespoke features including blueprinted engine, electric rear wing & Abarth badging
Nut and bolt restoration in Turin by its current custodian
37,270km from new
UK registered
A well-documented example, this intriguing Martini 6 was the chosen subject of an in-depth article in Octane December 2024; thoroughly outlining the car’s bespoke conception, and prototype mythology after extensive research by Paul Baker, past long standing president and current vice president of the Lancia Motor Club UK.
Originally intended for use by Fiat boss, Gianni Agnelli, car number 44 – of just 310 Martini 6s – is distinguishable from its peers by a number of bespoke differences: ultimately resulting in the thought that this example is in-fact a one-off prototype, devised by ‘in-house’ specialist consultants Autec Srl.
After founding and gifting the company to designer Dante Giacosa as a thank you for his efforts at Fiat, Agnelli gave the go-ahead for Autec to quietly use their expertise to develop special projects under-the-radar; further alluding to car 44’s legend. It was this little known design consultancy, a secret even within Fiat, that the Delta would be first registered to.
Unique differences include a blue-printed engine, competition suspension, electric rear wing and full-length brake vents on the front wings. Other bespoke touches, include an electric Martini Racing radio cover and bespoke Abarth – largely responsible for the development of the Delta WRC car – branding throughout.
The Delta would in fact see use by Gianni’s son Edoardo until his death in 2000. The following year, the car was placed for sale with an independent dealership and offered as a standard Martini 6. Noticed on display by chance, Mr Matthews acquired the car immediately and imported the car to the UK. The Delta would remain with him for nearly a decade. Its interim custodian, and serial collector of Italian classics would further retain the car for a period of 5 years.
Under the care of its current owner, the Delta has most recently was returned to its native Turin, where it was subject to a full, nut and bolt, ground up restoration. Fully-documented with countless photographs, in a bespoke Martini 6 branded folder – it now presents in the specification in which it was intended for Agnelli – with additional, period correct decals.
