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Lancia Delta HF Integrale (1987–1994) — Appreciation Score · Targa

classic · Car Collector Intelligence Platform

Lancia
Delta HF Integrale

WATCHMonitor for entry point

59

/100

Score

Market signal · WATCH

Mixed signal — market consolidating

The market is consolidating. Prices show relative stability but momentum is still weak. This is not the ideal time to buy — wait for a clearer signal in the next data cycles.

↓ The guide below describes the model — history, characteristics and what to check before buying.

Overview

The Lancia Delta HF Integrale is a legendary Italian hot hatchback produced from 1987 to 1994, born directly from Lancia's dominant World Rally Championship campaign that yielded six consecutive manufacturers' titles between 1987 and 1992. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine driving all four wheels through a sophisticated permanent AWD system, it evolved through several generations culminating in the 210bhp Evoluzione II. It remains one of the most celebrated homologation specials ever produced, combining everyday usability with genuine motorsport DNA in a compact, charismatic package.

The Integrale's unbroken lineage from the rally stages to road car is extraordinarily rare — every mechanical development, from wider wheel arches to revised torque splits, was driven by competitive necessity rather than marketing, giving it an authenticity that few road cars can claim. Its combination of tactile, communicative all-wheel-drive handling, a strong and tuneable engine, and a distinctly Italian character has created a devoted global fanbase that transcends typical classic car demographics. As one of the last truly analogue, driver-focused performance cars of its era produced in relatively limited numbers, the Integrale occupies a singular and increasingly irreplaceable position in automotive history.

Key figures

Average value€104.650

12-month movement+0.0%

Auctions tracked

Pre-purchase inspection guide

Sills, floorpan, and wheel arch inner lips

These are the primary rust hotspots and repair costs can be enormous. Structural rust in sills or floorpan can make a car uneconomical to restore.

Use a torch and prod every sill seam, inner arch, and jacking point firmly with a screwdriver. Lift carpets to inspect the floorpan directly. Check for fresh underseal which may be hiding active corrosion.

Rear subframe mounting points

Corrosion here is a serious structural and safety issue that is expensive to repair properly and often overlooked in visual inspections.

Inspect from underneath with good lighting; look for bubbling paint, soft metal, or obvious patch repairs around the four subframe mounting locations.

Full service history with cambelt and tensioner records

A missed cambelt change on these engines is catastrophic and non-negotiable. Without proof of replacement history, budget for an immediate change regardless.

Request stamped service books and receipts. Ask specifically when the cambelt, tensioner, and water pump were last replaced. If no records exist, walk away or negotiate the cost in.

Turbocharger condition and boost levels

Turbos are expensive to replace and their condition is a direct indicator of how well the car was maintained and cooled down after hard use.

Check for blue smoke at startup and under hard acceleration. Connect a boost gauge to verify the turbo reaches and holds correct pressure. Listen for any whine, surge, or bearing noise at idle and during acceleration.

Differential operation under acceleration

All three differentials are expensive to rebuild and worn units cause handling that is both dangerous and uncharacteristic of the model.

Drive on a variety of surfaces including low-speed tight turns to listen for clunking or binding. Accelerate hard out of corners and note any hesitation, clunk, or abnormal torque steer. A specialist rolling road test can reveal drivetrain issues clearly.

Cooling system integrity

Overheating is the number one cause of head gasket failure and cylinder head damage on these cars. Any history of overheating is a serious red flag.

Check for mayonnaise under the oil cap or in the coolant reservoir. Run the car to full operating temperature and watch the temperature gauge carefully. Pressure-test the cooling system for leaks. Inspect all hoses for softness, cracking, and swelling.

Engine bay originality and modification history

Modified or heavily breathed-on engines may be beyond standard service tolerances and their reliability is unknown without specialist assessment.

Compare the engine bay to factory photographs. Look for non-standard intake, exhaust, or fuelling components. Ask specifically about any tuning work and request receipts or dyno sheets if modifications are claimed.

VIN plate matching and homologation documentation

Given rising values, cars with incorrect VIN plates, clocked odometers, or mismatched panels do exist in the market.

Verify the VIN on the plate, doorpost, and chassis matches. Run a full provenance check through Italian registration records or a specialist service. Check panel gaps and paint depth readings for evidence of significant accident repair.

Interior condition, particularly dashboard and seat condition

Correct original interiors including factory Recaro seats and steering wheels add significant value; retrimmed or modified interiors reduce it substantially.

Check the dashboard for cracks, particularly the upper section. Verify seat part numbers match factory spec. Look for the correct Momo or Sparco steering wheel. On Evo II, look for the yellow-stitched Sparco wheel as a positive sign of originality.

Brake system condition including calipers and lines

Seized calipers and deteriorated flexible lines are common on cars that have sat or been lightly used, and the Integrale's performance demands a fully functioning brake system.

Check for even brake pad wear across all four corners. Inspect caliper pistons for seizing and look for brake fluid leaks at the calipers and flexible hoses. Test braking at progressively higher speeds noting any pull or pedal pulsation.

Listing red flags

Fresh underseal applied to the entire underside

A common technique to hide active rust or poorly executed repairs. Demand a full professional inspection on a lift before proceeding.

No service history or incomplete documentation

Given the mechanical complexity and the critical importance of cambelt changes, the absence of records suggests deferred maintenance and unknown risk exposure across all major systems.

Recent engine rebuild or head gasket replacement claimed without receipts

May indicate a history of overheating. Requires independent verification and raises questions about what caused the failure and whether the root cause was properly addressed.

Listing emphasises 'recent respray' or 'fully restored bodywork'

Unless accompanied by photographic evidence of the work, this may indicate that rust was filled and painted over rather than properly cut out and repaired in metal.

'Runs and drives but needs attention' or similar vague language

On an Integrale this almost invariably means the car has known mechanical issues the seller wishes to obscure. The combination of complex AWD, turbo, and ageing electrics means 'attention' can rapidly escalate into a very expensive project.

Aftermarket engine management or significant engine modifications

Unless performed by a recognised specialist with full documentation, modified cars are harder to insure, harder to value, and may have compromised reliability or been subjected to abuse.

Odometer reading that appears inconsistent with the car's condition

Low mileage on a car with a worn interior, fresh paint, and tired suspension components suggests the odometer has been wound back. Cross-reference against service stamps and MOT/inspection records.

Price significantly below current market average

At current values, a car priced well below market almost certainly has undisclosed serious issues, potentially including structural rust, a seized drivetrain, a destroyed engine, or a problematic ownership and provenance history.

Seller reluctant to allow independent inspection or pre-purchase evaluation

A definitive sign that there are issues the seller does not want a specialist to find. Any legitimate seller of a high-value classic will welcome independent scrutiny.

Variants worth seeking

Evoluzione II (1993–1994)+30%

The definitive and most developed production Integrale, featuring the highest output engine, the most refined AWD setup, and the most complete specification. It is the version most directly connected to the championship-winning rally cars in terms of development maturity and is universally regarded as the most desirable standard production example.

Evoluzione I (1991–1992)+15%

The first major step-change evolution of the platform offering a very strong balance of performance, driver engagement, and comparative value against the Evo II. Highly regarded by driving enthusiasts who feel it offers a slightly more raw character than the more polished final cars.

Collezione (1994)+60%

A limited run of approximately 250 cars produced in a single shade of Giallo Ginestra yellow to mark the end of production and Lancia's farewell to the Integrale. Extremely rare, highly documented, and treated as collector pieces from new, making them among the most valuable and sought-after of all Integrales.

HF Integrale 16V (1989–1990)+5%

The introduction of the 16-valve cylinder head and wider arches marked the true transformation of the car into the icon we know today. These transitional models are increasingly appreciated for their historical significance as the first full expression of the design and offer a price advantage over the later Evolutions for buyers on a tighter budget.