To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Milan event, 22 May 2025.

• Won both the Portuguese and Argentine rounds of the 1989 World Rally Championship
• Driven by WRC champions Miki Biasion and Markku Alén plus Mikael Ericsson
• Helped Lancia and Biasion to a 1989 WRC Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ title double
• Presented in 8V specification, wearing its iconic Martini livery from Rally Portugal
• Acquired by the consignor circa 2000; expertly restored by an Abarth mechanic

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 here, 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.

Those three WRC appearances helped Lancia and Biasion to a WRC Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ title clean sweep in 1989. 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 received a restoration by an Abarth mechanic. Accordingly, it presents in eight-valve 1989 specification wearing its period-correct Martini livery from Rally Portugal.

A two-time WRC event winner, a double WRC title winner, and driven by two WRC greats, this Lancia Delta Integrale boasts outstanding pedigree and would make for a significant addition to any competition-themed collection.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/ml25/.