IN the two decades between the World Rally Championship’s 1973 inception and Lancia exiting the stages at the end of 1992, the Italian marque proved the dominant force.
So much so, it still holds the record as the most successful manufacturer with no fewer than 10 titles, including an unprecedented run to six consecutive crowns from 1987 to 1992.
The latter success was underpinned by the Delta, a humble family hatchback introduced in 1979. While the Delta nameplate appeared during the hallowed Group B era, the model truly earned its Martini stripes once the more production-based Group A formula was adopted for 1987.
Lancia’s engineering prowess eventually developed the car into a turbocharged, all-wheel drive champion that amassed 46 WRC event wins to cement its status as one of the great competition cars.
Chassis number 458689, offered for sale by RM Sotheby’s, holds the distinction of having achieved two of those triumphs.
Making its debut at Rally Portugal in 1989, two-time WRC champion Miki Biasion and co-driver Siviero Tiziano headed an Integrale podium lockout.
Registered as TO74784L, the car next retired from a round of the European Rally Championship, where it was piloted by Markku Alén.
Mikael Ericsson claimed a second WRC victory across the 30 stages comprising Rally Argentina in August before 1978 title winner Alén snared 3rd place in Australia.
After its stint with the factory team, the car would contest select national events before reappearing in the WRC in Argentina and Sanremo in 1991.
Approximately 25 years ago, the Lancia was acquired by its consigning owner, a rally driver during the Group B era.
While in his care, the Delta has received a restoration by an Abarth mechanic, and presents in its 1989 specification.
