Lancia had already established itself as a force in rallying with the rear-wheel-drive Lancia Stratos and the turbocharged Delta S4, but the cancellation of the dangerous Group B category in 1986 forced teams to adapt quickly to new Group A regulations. The Delta Integrale’s journey began when Lancia successfully transformed their rally efforts to meet these stricter standards. The Delta HF 4WD, introduced in 1987, set the stage, winning the manufacturers’ title in its first year by dominating nine out of thirteen rallies​.

In 1988, Lancia introduced the Delta HF Integrale 8V, equipped with all-wheel drive and a powerful turbocharged engine, making it an immediate powerhouse on the rally circuit. The car’s debut season was nothing short of spectacular, with Miki Biasion leading the charge to secure the drivers’ title and the manufacturers’ championship for Lancia. Biasion’s dominance was evident, as he clinched victories in the Rallye de Portugal and Acropolis Rally, often outpacing his competition by significant margins. By the end of 1988, Lancia had already secured the manufacturers’ title, setting the tone for the next several years​.

The Delta Integrale’s strength lay in its continuous evolution. In 1989, Lancia introduced the Delta Integrale 16V, which featured a 16-valve engine producing more power and improved handling characteristics. This model pushed Lancia to new heights, allowing the team to continue its streak of WRC dominance. The car won 13 out of 16 rounds in the 1989 season, with Biasion taking another drivers’ championship. These enhancements were not just limited to the engine; the car also received updates to its suspension, braking systems, and aerodynamics, making it an even more formidable opponent on both tarmac and gravel stages​.

The Delta Integrale’s engineering prowess was highlighted by its innovative all-wheel-drive system, which featured a sophisticated setup with a central differential that allowed asymmetric power distribution between the front and rear axles. This system provided exceptional grip and handling, essential for the varied and challenging terrain of WRC stages. Additionally, the introduction of the Integrale Evoluzione models in the early 1990s brought further refinements, such as wider track widths, improved suspension setups, and aggressive aerodynamic designs, which helped cement Delta’s legacy as a rally icon​.

Lancia’s official withdrawal from factory-backed WRC participation after the 1991 season did not mark the end of the Delta’s success. Private teams continued to campaign the Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione, winning the 1992 manufacturers’ title even without direct factory support. This marked the sixth consecutive title for Lancia, a record that remains unbroken. Delta’s combination of robust engineering, driver skills, and team strategy made it a formidable competitor throughout its tenure in rallying.

Though the factory-backed efforts ceased, the Delta Integrale continued to inspire a generation of rally enthusiasts. Its road-going versions allowed everyday drivers to experience a piece of Lancia’s rally heritage, with homologated models providing a direct link to the car’s rally pedigree. These street-legal Integrales, though less extreme than their WRC counterparts, still carried the spirit of the champion rally car that dominated a golden era of motorsport​.

The legacy of the Lancia Delta Integrale lives on, not just as a rally car that set records but as a symbol of what innovative engineering, relentless evolution, and a commitment to excellence can achieve. Its six-year reign in the WRC remains one of the most impressive accomplishments in motorsport history, making it a true legend of the sport.