Lancia Delta S4 Stradale: Group B Homologation Special

Group B, from its inception in 1982 until its cancellation in 1986, was the arena for the boldest innovations in rallying. Car manufacturers like Audi, Lancia, Peugeot, and Ford invested heavily in this virtually unrestricted category, leading to the development of technologies such as all-wheel drive, twin-charging, and the use of lightweight, strong materials like Kevlar. After the success of the 037, Lancia needed a worthy successor, as competition from Audi and Peugeot was becoming fiercer.

The goal was clear: to build the lightest and most powerful car possible. Lancia and Abarth engineers brilliantly met this challenge. They created the Delta S4 – an all-wheel-drive car built on a chromoly steel tubular frame, covered with carbon-kevlar panels, and featuring an engine combining a turbocharger and a volumetric compressor for smooth power delivery. Vehicle maintenance was also optimized. Thanks to welded suspension pivot points on the tubular frame and a design that allowed easier access to the powertrain, the Delta S4’s maintenance during races was much quicker and more straightforward.

The result was an extremely high-performance machine. The Delta S4 debuted with a victory at the 1985 RAC Rally and later triumphed at the 1986 Monte Carlo Rally. However, its career was tragically cut short by the fatal crash of Henri Toivonen and Sergio Cresto at the Tour de Corse later that year. This event sealed the fate of Group B, which was subsequently discontinued due to its dangers.

With a claimed output of 450 horsepower for the Group B versions, the engines of the homologated models were set to produce 247 horsepower at 6,750 rpm and 292 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. This power was transmitted to all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission with a 30/70 front-to-rear torque split. Although the racing and homologated versions were designed to be as similar as possible, the Delta S4 Stradale featured a much better soundproofed, almost luxurious interior. The two seats, designed by the Zagato design studio, were upholstered in Alcantara, as were the door panels and headliner. The road version of the S4 also included power steering and air conditioning.

Although the Group B regulations called for 200 homologated units, the high price significantly limited the commercial success of the S4 Stradale, with only 71 units sold between 1985 and 1990. For economic reasons, the remaining cars were likely destroyed or sold for parts to avoid high warranty costs.

This specific Lancia Delta S4 Stradale, built in 1985 with chassis number 0017, engine 0059, and Savio number 3032, was sold on August 4, 1987, to a new owner, Paul Dawson, in London through the dealer Coombs of Guildford, for £44,442. The car was finished in Nero Metallizzato with Alcantara Verde upholstery. In 1990, it was acquired by Mr. Jean-Christian G. and imported to France, having only 2,420 km on the odometer. However, homologation in France took two years as the model was not yet registered in the French homologation system. The documentation includes extensive correspondence between Mr. G., the authorities, and the Lancia/Fiat offices to register the car in France. Eventually, the car was homologated on October 26, 1992, with the DGM 51831 OM homologation document. The current owner, a close friend of Mr. G., has owned the car since 2000, keeping it in a heated garage and regularly maintaining and driving it to preserve its condition. Although it currently has only 5,600 km on the odometer, it has gone through all necessary service checks and was used for the photo shoot for this catalog.

The vehicle is sold with complete documentation, including the French registration document (carte grise) and all original accessories, such as two keys, the user manual, wallet, spare parts catalog, tool kit, spare wheel, and jack. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a homologated model that has never been modified or repainted. Thanks to the careful ownership, the car remains in exceptional condition, including its underbody, with photos available in the condition report. Bonhams Cars estimates the sale price of this Lancia Delta S4 Stradale to be between €480,000 and €680,000.

Text: Mateo
Photos: Bonhams Cars


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