The World Rally Championship rulebook was rewritten for 1987. The hallowed Group B chapter had come to an end, making way for Group A machinery that was much more closely related to the production cars available to buy in showrooms. For the new era, Lancia hit the ground running as the great Juha Kankkunen guided the Delta pocket rocket to Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ title glory. This kickstarted the most successful streak in WRC history.

As the Delta evolved—courtesy of homologation road car specials that introduced increased engine power, wider track width, bigger brakes, improved suspension, and more—variants of the model went on to claim six championships in succession. With drivers Miki Biasion and Carlos Sainz Sr sharing the glory with Kankkunen, the clean sweep stretched to 1992.

The limited-edition Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione ‘Martini 5’, as the name suggests, was launched as a celebration of Lancia triumphing for the fifth time in a row in 1991. Decorated along the shoulder line and on the boot lid with the famous red-and-blue stripes of the rally car’s period sponsor Martini, just 400 were built. They featured a 16-valve, turbocharged, 2-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 210 horsepower via a five-speed manual gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive. The ‘Martini 5’ also gained rally-style 15-inch wheels plus suede bucket seats up front complemented by red stitching and red seat belts.

Offered here is the 388th example. While its early history is not definitively known, the car has more recently resided since in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Lancia benefits from an extensive May 2022 recommissioning service, which included replacing the timing belt and clutch, rebuilding the turbocharger, and overhauling the brakes and suspension. The odometer displayed 8,010 kilometres at the time of cataloguing.

Accompanied by a spare wheel, tool kit, jack, owner’s guides, and service book, this 'Martini 5' celebration of history-making WRC success is sure to appeal to motorsport enthusiasts and collectors.