Auction Date: Saturday 11th November | 10.00am GMT

• GUIDE PRICE: £68,000 - £78,000

+ buyers premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT) on the first £300,000 of the hammer and 10% plus VAT (12% incl VAT) thereafter

First seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1979, the Lancia Delta Integrale is best-known for its domination of the World Rally Championship in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Constantly being developed, the first ‘Evoluzione’ cars were built at the end of 1991 and carried on through 1992 and these Evo models were to be the final homologation cars built for the Lancia Rally Team competing under the Martini Racing banner.

Arriving in June 1993, a further development of the HF Integrale naturally became known as the 'Evo II', and featured an updated version of the 2-litre 16-valve turbo engine producing a little more power (215bhp) and incorporated a three-way catalyst and a Lambda probe, with everything being run by a new Marelli integrated engine control system. Only 4,223 cars were ever built for the global market and the car is now regarded, like several previous Lancia models such as the Fulvia, Stratos and 037, as 'Rally Royalty'.

This, as a 1995 model Evo II, also featured a cosmetic and functional facelift that included 16'' light alloy rims with 205/45/ZR16 tyres, a body-colour roof moulding to underline the connection between the roof and the solar tinted windows, as well as an aluminium fuel cap and air-intake grills, a red colour-coded cam cover on the engine and a leather-covered 3-spoke MOMO steering wheel, along with Recaro bucket seats upholstered in Tan Alcantara with diagonal stitching. The Evo ll HF Integrale is now considered by many as the 'one to have', and this particular car is an excellent example.

Originally supplied to Japan, this car was then selected and imported back to the UK in 2016 by specialists Westland Autos of Swindon with all duties paid. It had been chosen for its superb original condition (original protective plastic coverings still over the carpets and Alcantara door-cards), its low-mileage (then 35,000 miles) and its accompanying service history. It was subsequently sold to a Lancia-enthusiast who was keen to involve it in Club events and gatherings - it was featured in Auto-Italia magazine in 2017 to much acclaim; it has always been garaged and maintained very well. It has now covered 71,500km (44,500 miles) and has recently benefited from c.£1,500-worth of servicing/maintenance from a Lancia specialist to make it sale-ready.

The second-generation Evo is particularly topical at the moment and collectors are constantly seeking exceptional examples which this car firmly represents. This car is ready to be enjoyed and driven as it should be. The market for Integrales of all types continues to firm, and this superb example in striking Monza Red with low-mileage deserves your consideration.