Ralph Gilles’s Lancia Delta Integrale is currently available for auction on Bring A Trailer. As the design boss at Stellantis, Gilles is parting ways with this iconic hot hatch, representing one of the final specimens of a legendary rallying lineage.
Equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, this vehicle stands as Italy’s response to formidable contenders like the Subaru WRX.
Notably, this particular Lancia has undergone meticulous modifications overseen by Stellantis design chief Ralph Gilles, showcasing his broad automotive interests extending beyond the realm of V-8 muscle cars.
Gilles, renowned for his affinity towards Detroit muscle, has left his mark on various automotive endeavors at Stellantis. Gilles’s automotive legacy extends beyond his involvement with prominent American muscle cars.
His diverse interests are evident in his ownership of a Viper ACR and a 1000-hp Hellephant-powered 1968 Dodge Charger. However, his passion for speed transcends these formidable vehicles. The 1990 Lancia Delta Integrale currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer epitomizes Gilles’s appreciation for turbocharged rallying excellence.
Serving as the box-flared, all-wheel-drive counterpart to vehicles like the Subaru STI or the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, this compact powerhouse exudes ferocity and agility, ideal for conquering any terrain. Its previous ownership by Gilles underscores his genuine enthusiasm for automotive excellence and performance.
The Lancia Delta began as an unassuming compact family hatchback featuring squared-off styling courtesy of Giorgetto Giugiaro. However, Lancia’s transformation of the Delta into a rally-inspired performance machine, known as the Integrale model, marked a significant shift.
Through the addition of boost and all-wheel-drive capabilities, Lancia elevated the Delta to unprecedented success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), securing six constructors’ championship victories consecutively.
This particular model, the 1992 Delta Integrale Evoluzione, represents the culmination of Lancia’s rallying prowess, marking the final year of homologation rally cars as Lancia ceased rally development after its 1992 WRC triumph.
Underneath its hood lies a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, initially producing nearly 210 horsepower in factory form.
However, it has undergone significant upgrades, including new camshafts, a reprogrammed ECU, and a high-flow exhaust system. The iconic box flares not only enhance Giugiaro’s original design but also contribute to the Delta’s distinctive appearance.
Complemented by rally-style 15-inch Speedline wheels wrapped in 225-series Kumho ultra-high-performance summer tires and equipped with adjustable coilovers, the Delta boasts a stance that epitomizes automotive perfection.
