Why This 1992 Lancia Delta Integrale Evo 1 Beats Your Dream Car
In the realm of iconic rally cars, few vehicles spark the imagination and desire quite like the Lancia Delta Integrale. Synonymous with rally dominance through the late '80s and early '90s, the Delta Integrale has cultivated a cult following, becoming a symbol of raw power, agility, and Italian craftsmanship. Yet, the allure of owning one of these automotive masterpieces is about to reach new heights, courtesy of a very special 1992 model that has hit the auction block.
What sets this Delta Integrale apart is not just its pedigree but its previous owner: Ralph Gilles, the visionary Chief Design Officer at Stellantis. Known for his keen automotive design insights and his hands-on approach to car modification, Gilles has transformed this already exceptional Evo 1 variant into something truly unparalleled.
Ralph Gilles' Midas Touch
Acquired in 2018 from a previous stint in Japan, Gilles took this Evo 1 and infused it with a blend of performance enhancements and aesthetic refinements that elevate this machine from mere car to legend. The heart of this beast, a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, received a comprehensive rebuild, complemented by performance-grade Colombo & Bariani cams, a throaty Walker's Garage exhaust system, and a tuned Eprom ECU to ensure it runs as menacingly as it looks.
Further honing its road-hugging abilities, Gilles equipped the car with adjustable coilovers and adorning it with 15-inch Speedline alloy wheels, shod in Kuhmo Ecstas that, while needing replacement, hints at the car's readiness for both the track and the open road. The interior remains a time capsule of '80s luxury and performance, with the very '80s Recaro seats, a Momo steering wheel, and shift knob inviting the driver to become one with the car.
A Drive Unlike Any Other
In its stock form, the Delta Integrale's power outputs are impressive, but Gilles' modifications likely push this Evo 1 into a realm of performance that few can claim to have experienced. Although exact figures remain a mystery, anecdotal evidence suggests a remarkable improvement in both power and handling. A recent video showcases Gilles himself behind the wheel, tearing through the streets with a power and finesse that can only come from a deep understanding and connection with the car.
This Lancia Delta Integrale Evo 1 stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of Italian engineering, the exhilarating potential of rally-bred vehicles, and the transformative touch of a modern automotive mastermind. With just around 63,000 miles on the odometer and boasting a Rosso Monza paint job that's nearly flawless, this car is not merely an acquisition; it's an inheritance of automotive royalty.
Owning a Lancia Delta Integrale is a dream for many car enthusiasts, but possessing one that has been personally reimagined by Ralph Gilles elevates that dream into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This is more than a car; it's a piece of history, poised to make its next owner the envy of collectors and enthusiasts around the globe.
Don't miss your chance to own a slice of automotive legend. Turn your dream into reality and stake your claim to a vehicle that transcends the definition of an exotic car.