The Italian brand leaned into its history during Monday’s announcement where it confirmed a return to the stages through a Rally4 programme with its new Ypsilon hatchback. A version of its new offering was unveiled in a livery that recaptured the iconic Martini Racing stripes, synonymous with the brand in the 1980s and 1990s.
While Lancia’s return to rallying won’t initially see it competing in the World Rally Championship, rally fans will be hoping this Rally4 programme is merely the first step towards a more significant plan, once the WRC’s future regulations become clearer next month.
However, the prospect of the Lancia name competing in rallying again in the near future, offers an opportunity to relive its past and rank the greatest hits that helped create the Lancia legend.
5 – Lancia Fulvia
RAC Rally
The Fulvia guided Lancia back into motorsport through the crucible of rallying in 1965, 10 years after it withdrew from Formula 1. The eye-catching V4 engine coupe, which developed 130 horsepower at its peak through its 1.6-litre variant, enjoyed instant success on home soil winning the Italian Rally Championship on its debut, the first of eight national titles and two European championships.
The Fulvia was victorious on the world stage, securing the 1972 International Championship for Manufacturers, the precursor to the World Rally Championship, following wins in Monte Carlo, Morocco and Sanremo. Although winless in the WRC, it did help Lancia score points towards its maiden WRC constructor crown in 1974.
4- Lancia Delta S4
Miki Biasion, Tiziano Siviero, Lancia Delta S4
Photo by: Christian Alias
Epitomising the beasts that spawned during the WRC’s famous Group B era, the Delta S4 was perhaps the most sophisticated and brutal. This mid-engine pocket rocket combined turbocharging and supercharging to reduce turbo lag at low speeds. As a result, its 1.8 litre Fiat twin cam engine delivered more than 500 horsepower to its four-wheel drive system.
Henri Toivonen claimed victory on its WRC debut in the 1985 Lombard RAC Rally, one of four WRC wins for the car. Along with the Peugeot 205 T16 Evo 2, the Delta S4 was the ultimate Group B car before the FIA scrapped the ruleset following a horrendous crash in Portugal and a fatal accident for Toivonen and co-driver Sergio Cresto in Corsica.
3- Lancia 037
Markku Alén, Ilkka Kivimäki, Lancia 037 Rally
Photo by: Motorsport Images
The Delta…
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