With the dawn of the 1990s came the Delta’s roadgoing zenith: the HF Integrale Evoluzione, revealed at the Frankfurt Salon in 1991. A remapped 16-valve turbocharged inline-four boasted 210 horsepower, surmounting the 100 horsepower-per-litre hurdle with ease. Blistered wings opened up space for a widened track and Speedline Monte Carlo wheels. At the rear sat a functional spoiler, while the interior both looked and felt the part with optional bolstered Recaro leather seats with distinctive perforated upholstery.

While the road-legal homologation Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione was earning its well-deserved reputation as a superb driver’s car, its competition counterparts were carving out their place in rally history: a debut victory at San Remo in 1989, the first of many wins for the Delta Integrale 16v, contributed to Lancia’s still-unmatched six consecutive World Rally Championship manufacturer’s titles. The Evoluzione was the last Delta that could rightly be called a WRC homologation car following Lancia’s withdrawal from rallying in 1992.

This Lancia Delta Evoluzione is no ordinary example, having been commissioned by three doctors who previously provided the Lancia Works rally team with medial support during the 1980s. Looking to acquire a new Group A Delta, they placed an order through their contacts at Lancia when they discovered it would not be possible.

This car stands out from other Deltas with its Martini livery, bodywork, and badging—only seen on ‘Martini 5’ editions of the Delta, limited to just 400 units. This Delta features slight exterior tweaks from the factory such as the roof spoiler in black rather than white. Inside, this car differs from a ‘Martini 5’ Delta, though, with the absence of a numbered glovebox plaque and an extremely special Verde Alcantara interior. From its initial delivery in 1992, the three doctors sent the Delta directly to Abarth, where the legendary tuner fitted Group N suspension and 17-inch wheels. It is thought that only a handful of Lancia Delta Evoluziones were ever sent to Abarth for such modifications. A set of period-correct 15-inch wheels and tyres accompany this Delta.

First registered to a Giovanni Musatti on 6 July 1992, the three doctors retained the car until 2013 when it was acquired by SRL River Team. Nine years later, the consignor purchased this unique Delta Evoluzione Group N ‘Abarth’ and added it to The Sportiva Collection.

In 2016, this Lancia was sent to Abarth Classiche, where it received the desirable certification book and metal display plate. Abarth Classiche noted this vehicle as one of the handful of ‘Group N’ specified Deltas that the company had modified. A version of events from the three doctors, chronicling this car’s conception, is available to view on file (in Italian) along with a photograph of them with the car. This Delta is also certified by the Lancia Registro Storico and is accompanied by its Certificato Di Identitià.

Presented today in an unbelievably well persevered state, the odometer reads just 27,641 kilometres at the time of cataloguing. The exterior and interior are in their factory correct configuration and the glove box features a plaque bearing the signatures of the three doctors.

An extremely rare example of an Abarth-modified Delta Evoluzione, this Lancia is sure to attract the attention of afficionados and collectors—it is likely an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire such a vehicle.