1980 LANCIA DELTA S4 PROTOTYPE. FERRARI, LAMBORGHINI, MASERATI, PORSCHE

1980 Lancia Other Description

The project started in 1983 under the supervision of Aurelio Lampredi and Claudio Lombardi, Abarth technical director, aiming for at least 500bhp and a kerb weight of less than 900kg to compete in Group B World Rallye Championships. Meanwhile, a road version was developed in order to meet the homologation requirements which were to produce at least 200 units.The Delta S4 is the predecessor of the future Delta HF 4WD and the Integrale, which went on to win several world rallye titles.

Starting in 1983 Lancia worked on the rallying version and the road version Delta S4, which was a little heavier and a little less powerful, but still good for 250bhp, making it a very quick car!

This is the prototype of the road version that Solo Italians have the pleasure to offer, featuring chassis number SE038-003 and engine number 001. In August 1984, its red tubular chassis arrived at Abarth, and the car was assembled by Carrozzeria Savio in September. The body was red and covered with a duct tape camouflage. The car was transported to the La Mandria test track for testing sessions in October. The tight and twisty circuit was a lot like a rally track, and the car was tested by Giorgio Pianta and G. Maggi.

Meanwhile, the racing version (001) continued to evolve. The engineers lightened the body, and equipped the car with small Fiat utility vehicle lights, which would become the S4’s trademark in competition.

In November, SE038-003 performed other tests, this time on dirt surface with Giorgio Pianta, and in December, the car was on the circuits of La Mandria and Marene, with Pianta, Maggi and Rostagno. In January 1985, testing in preparation for certification tests continued, including those carried out with snow chains in Campo Volo. A month later, in February, the car was tested at the Pirelli track at Vizzola Ticino, once again with Pianta, Maggi and Rostagno.

Used for certification, the car was then sold in July 1989, without registration, to a collector who kept it.So this incredible prototype Lancia Delta S4 was directly sold by Fiat Spa to its current owner, who undertook to a complete restoration by the best specialists in Italy documented by various pictures. In essence, this is a 1 owner car!

Since this is a prototype, it is characterized by several features, such as red colored frame tubes, items which are black on the road versions, and grey on the racing machines. The red body also presents details of its own: the lower corner of the windshield is not well finished, the headband has two diagonal tubes which disappeared on the final version. This particular prototype is especially well-known for the small roof fin close to the Competition cars which wasn’t kept for the road versions. Its dashboard is borrowed from the 037 and completely restored, and it is in immaculate condition.

This car is unique because it reflects Lancia’s first steps towards developing a highly competitive Group B car which would ultimately lead to the HF Integrale, another iconic model. Furthermore, this prototype has had only one owner after Fiat, and is on offer in an impeccable condition. It is a rare opportunity for any rally car enthuisast.

• The car is located in Italy.
• Payment will be initiated before the car leaves Italy, and by wire transfer (US bank). Paypal only for deposits.
• Worldwide shipping available
• 1 Owner since 1989
• An official Lancia Delta S4 Prototype from the factory.

Serious inquiries/collectors only please. Car is being sold "As Is, where Is", with no warranties,written, expressedor implied.

Please have your funds ready. We're direct to the seller, and will initiate some matters of the business transaction. Direct negotiation and viewings/inspections will be avail, but only after initial phone conversation with us. Payment will be via bank transfer (US bank). Paypal for depositonly. Worldwide shipping available.

Collectors may contact us at 562-354-8880 to discuss further....

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