Even though it was never sold in the US, the Lancia Delta is fairly well known here amongst enthusiasts. This is in no small part due to its six World Rally Championships. A fairly unassuming vehicle, the Delta mixes turbocharged power with four-wheel drive capability to create a versatile, practical compact hatchback that could shame many sports cars in its day. Early Delta Integrales are now legal to import to the US, and this black one for sale in Modena, Italy is calling my name from afar...

1988 Lancia Delta HF Integrale 8V

Lancia Delta HF Integrale 8V, ASI. 09/1988, 134,121 km, service regularly at Lancia shops. Gun-metal gray with gray interior Missoni multi color alcantara upholstery. Car completely original, already registered ASI and registerable to Historic Lancia Register. Full options: central locking, power windows, sunroof, 15" alloy wheels. Plates and original documents. Car ASI therefore enjoys all the tax benefits of an historic vehicle (stamp 25 Euro), reduced insurance and transfer of ownership facilitated.

With just over 80,000 miles, the seller is asking the equivalent of $12,600. If this could be bargained down to around $10,000 to give a bit of space for shipping and importation costs for a US enthusiast, you would have one heck of a ride to show up with at the next Cars & Coffee event. Not only that, this is a practical classic that you could use with no worries in rain, sleet or snow.

-Paul