Lancia Delta I (Tipo 831) gallery (1979–1994)
An iconic premium C-segment hatchback that earned global fame and six consecutive WRC titles through its HF Integrale variants.
The first-generation Lancia Delta (Tipo 831) debuted in 1979 and immediately captured the 1980 European Car of the Year award. Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, the five-door hatchback combined sharp geometric angles with an upscale interior and advanced fully independent suspension on all four corners. Initially powered by 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter overhead-cam engines designed by Aurelio Lampredi, the range soon expanded to include turbocharged variants such as the HF Turbo. Following the cancellation of Group B rallying, the Delta became Lancia's flagship platform in motorsport, leading to the development of legendary all-wheel-drive road cars including the HF 4WD, HF Integrale, HF Integrale 16V, and the widebody Evoluzione series with up to 215 horsepower. Transmissions primarily included robust five-speed manuals linked to sophisticated center differentials with epicyclic gearing and Ferguson viscous couplings. The Tipo 831 Delta dominated global rally competition with six consecutive World Rally Championship manufacturers titles between 1987 and 1992, maintaining strong sales across European markets until production ended in 1994.
