The World Rally Championship is widely regarded as the most demanding form of motorsport. Drivers push themselves, and their cars, to the very edge over multiple days of competition. The Lancia Delta HF Integrale is considered one of the category’s legendary models, and this 1994 example is from the final year of First Generation Delta production. Adding to its appeal, it is 1-of-173 built as a commemorative “Dealers Edition” offering. It presents beautifully and would suit an enthusiast seeking a distinctive and desirable Italian thoroughbred to add to their collection. The Lancia is listed here at Hemmings in San Mateo, California. The price of exclusivity isn’t low, with the seller setting their price at a negotiable $139,000.

Lancia introduced its First Generation Delta model in 1979, with the car remaining in production until 1994. Designed as a front-wheel-drive daily driver, the Delta took a significant performance leap with the 1986 introduction of the HF 4WD derivative. The HF evolved in subsequent years, with the HF Integrale “Evoluzione II” representing the ultimate road-going version. The company built 173 examples called the Dealers Edition for the final production year. The buying public could not order one of these cars, with Lancia allocating them to its dealer network. This one presents superbly in Burgundy Metallic, recently landing on US soil from a Japanese collection. There is no evidence of significant paint or panel flaws, while the aerodynamic additions like the deeper front bumper and rear spoiler look excellent. It is an Italian classic, leading some to question whether there are rust issues requiring attention. The seller indicates there are no current problems and no evidence of previous repairs that might place the car’s history in question. The 16″ alloy wheels are excellent, and there are no visible trim or glass problems. If I am brutally honest, I don’t think the Delta Integrale is the most attractive vehicle Lancia produced, but its bulging fenders and hood give it a genuine sense of purpose.

Lancia produced all examples of the Integrale Dealer Edition with leather trim and a full complement of gauges. Apart from an aftermarket stereo, alloy pedals, and a matching passenger footrest, the interior remains original and unmolested. The body-hugging seats exhibit some slight wear on the outer edges, but there is no evidence that the leather is about to split or wear through. If the new owner continues applying conditioner, the seats should remain intact for many years. Unlike many Italian classics, the plastic hasn’t succumbed to age or UV exposure. The leather-wrapped Momo wheel should provide a comfortable driving experience, with the stubby shifter topped by a chrome knob. Rounding out the interior is a console-mounted plaque indicating this is a genuine Dealer Edition vehicle.

You must delve below the surface to uncover the performance potential the Delta’s body additions hint at. Powering the Integrale is a transverse-mounted 1,995cc, turbocharged DOHC four-cylinder engine that sends 208hp to the road via a five-speed manual transmission and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. That combination makes it easy to see why the Delta HF Integrale dominated world rallying, with this road-going version capable of storming the ¼ mile in 14.9 seconds on its way to 137mph. Considering the modest engine capacity, it is hard not to be impressed by those figures. The seller indicates that when the Lancia arrived from Japan, it was thoroughly inspected and serviced to ensure it was mechanically healthy. The former owner added a different air filter to improve engine breathing, but it remains otherwise untouched. The car runs and drives extremely well, with the exhaust producing a typical fizzy Italian engine note. With a genuine 96,000 kilometers (59,000 miles) on its odometer, the Integrale should offer its new owner many years of motoring pleasure.

Throughout the history of the World Rally Championship, thirteen manufacturers have held the championship trophy aloft. While companies like Citroën and Toyota have tasted success on eight and six occasions, respectively, Lancia sits proudly at the top of the table with ten titles to its name. In a golden era between 1987 and 1992, the Delta HF and Integrale scored an incredible six successive championships. No make has achieved such domination, and it took the factory might of Toyota to finally sink the relative minnow from Italy. The limited production total means these classics are highly sought after, and the asking price for this car sits around the market expectations for a vehicle in this condition. The 1994 Delta HF Integrale may not be the prettiest car produced by Lancia, but many people believe it is their best. Is that thought enough to tempt you to pursue it further?