Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16v 1990 review
Hatchback Petrol
Photo: DestinationFearFan (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Delta Integrale is the greatest rally car ever sold to the public - six consecutive World Rally Championship titles distilled into a boxy little hatchback. The 16v, built from 1989 to 1991, added a 16-valve head for 200 bhp and an even wider stance.
With its blistered arches, permanent four-wheel drive and that warbling turbo soundtrack, the Integrale is pure 1990s magic. Italian build quality means you buy on condition and history - but get a good one and nothing else comes close.
UK price from: £42,500
Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbo inline-4 (1,995 cc) |
| Power | 200 bhp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 220 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| 0-60 mph | 5.7 seconds |
| Top speed | 137 mph |
| Fuel economy | ~24 mpg |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drive | Four-wheel drive |
| Production years | 1989-1991 (16v) |
| Kerb weight | 1,250 kg |
Features
- 2.0-litre turbocharged 16-valve four - 200 bhp
- Permanent four-wheel drive with viscous coupling
- Six-time World Rally Championship winner's road car
- Box arches and bonnet vents - pure 90s aggression
- 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds
- The definitive homologation hero
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pad set | £55 | Performance road pads |
| Clutch kit | £280 | Uprated turbo clutch kit |
| Turbocharger reconditioning | £500 | Specialist turbo rebuild |
| Exhaust system | £400 | Stainless turbo-back system |
| Water pump | £75 | Cooling service item |
| Timing belt kit | £140 | Belt, tensioner and pulleys |
Pros
- One of the all-time great drivers' cars
- Rally pedigree beyond compare
- Values have risen strongly for top examples
- Practical five-door hatchback body
Cons
- Lancia rust - check everything, twice
- Cambelt every 3 years regardless of mileage
- Many have lived hard lives - history is everything
- Specialist maintenance is essential
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Delta Integrale 16v worth?
Good 16v cars sell for £35,000-£55,000, with exceptional low-mileage examples reaching £70,000-plus.
8v or 16v - which is better?
The 16v has 200 bhp, a wider track and sharper looks; the 8v is purer and rarer in top condition. Both are superb - buy on condition.
Where does the Integrale rust?
Everywhere - sills, strut tops, rear arches, floors and the bulkhead. Italian rustproofing was minimal; inspect meticulously.
How often does the cambelt need changing?
Every 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first - a snapped belt destroys the engine. Verify the service history.
Are Integrales expensive to maintain?
Yes - specialist servicing, frequent cambelts and rust repairs add up. Budget £1,500-£2,500 a year for a well-used car.
