The association between Lancia and Carrozzeria Zagato is both an enduring and an illustrious one; their first collaboration dates back to 1927, with the groundbreaking Lancia Lambda. Some 65 years later this relationship was rekindled by Dutch Lancia Importer Paul Koot, who sought to produce a lightweight Zagato-bodied Lancia two-door coupe using the ultra-successful Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione as its basis. The resulting Hyena design featured typically striking aluminum coachwork incorporating Zagato’s signature “double bubble” roof; its curb weight was over 400 pounds less than the standard car. However, despite its spirited performance—and initial optimism of 500 cars being constructed—just 24 had been produced by the conclusion of the project in 1994.

This car, the 18th Hyena built, was kept in storage until its import to the UK in 2001 by factory-appointed agents Walkers Garage of Northallerton, North Yorkshire. Finished in red with contrasting black interior, the car was sold to its first owner in April 2002, with whom it would remain for the next 19 years. During this time, it covered barely 30,000 kilometers, appearing periodically at high profile events including the Lancia Centenary celebrations in Torino in 2006, as well as in publications including Auto Italia and Viva Lancia.

In late 2021, the car was acquired by the consignor, who promptly tasked renowned Lancia Delta specialists Italiamotorsport Parussini of Udine, Italy to undertake a full restoration. Their brief was to upgrade the car to ultimate specification; something achieved with distinction over the ensuing 12 months. The work performed included a complete strip down and bare metal respray in Grigio Alloy, this being complemented by a re-trim in turquoise Alcantara of the same type used on the limited-run “Martini 6” Delta HF Integrale.

Mechanically, the car’s engine was remapped, increasing power from the 250 horsepower typically quoted for “standard” Hyenas to a figure in excess of 320. A bespoke exhaust system was fitted to replicate the distinctive note achieved by the Group A Delta Integrale rally car, while both the suspension and brakes were uprated to manage the increased performance. Since completion, the car has covered only approximately 100 kilometers, during which it is said to have performed flawlessly; its odometer figure at the time of cataloguing is a scant 31,199 kilometers (~19,387 miles).

Exquisitely restored, generously specified and with impeccable two-owner provenance, this Hyena represents a unique opportunity to enter the rarefied world of bespoke Lancia ownership. Notably, it is believed to be the first example of this rare and significant model offered for sale in the United States. Further enhanced by its prodigious performance, it represents a rare insight into the car the Delta Integrale might conceivably have become—not to mention perhaps the ultimate collaboration between two of the most illustrious names in Italian motoring history.