When Group B was canned at the end of 1986, Lancia needed a production-based alternative in order to adhere to newly devised Group A regulations for the 1987 season. The Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign penned Delta had been launched in 1979 and although briefly running as a narrow body car in the 1987 Championship- which it duly won- it was the widened track, Integrale from 1988 that is remembered so favourably. The Delta would go on to take 6 Manufacturer’s Championships, 4 Driver's Championships and 46 wins overall between 1987 and 1992. Introduced in late 1991, the Evoluzione I brought with it a wider track, a remapped 16v engine and an Alcantara interior. The Evoluzione II was introduced two years later. Revised emissions regulations saw the introduction of a catalytic converter, although power was still up. The Evoluzione II became the base for a number of highly desirable special editions until production ended in 1995. Among the ‘Evo I’ based special edition models, was the Martini 6 – which immediately superseded the Evoluzione I based Martini 5 after Lancia had won their 6th consecutive World Rally Championship for Manufacturers – a record that remains unbroken. Much like its predecessor, the ‘6’ was adorned in Martini colours, however subtle differences and a striking Turquoise Alcantara interior assured the cars’ distinguishability. It later transpired that Lancia’s 6th Manufactures’ Championship would be their last, therefore cementing the Delta Martini 6 as a bookend in the model’s lineage, as the only model built as a direct celebration of the Delta’s WRC success in its entirety. A well-documented example, this intriguing Martini 6 was the chosen subject of an in-depth article in Octane December 2024; thoroughly outlining the car’s bespoke conception, and prototype mythology after extensive research by Paul Baker, past long standing president and current vice president of the Lancia Motor Club UK. Originally intended for use by Fiat boss, Gianni Agnelli, car number 44 – of just 310 Martini 6s – is distinguishable from its peers by a number of bespoke differences: ultimately resulting in the thought that this example is in-fact a one-off prototype, devised by ‘in-house’ specialist consultants Autec Srl. After founding and gifting the company to designer Dante Giacosa as a thank you for his efforts at Fiat, Agnelli gave the go-ahead for Autec to quietly use their expertise to develop special projects under-the-radar; further alluding to car 44’s legend. It was this little known design consultancy, a secret even within Fiat, that the Delta would be first registered to. Unique differences include a blue-printed engine, competition suspension, electric rear wing and full-length brake vents on the front wings. Other bespoke touches, include an electric Martini Racing radio cover and bespoke Abarth – largely responsible for the development of the Delta WRC car – branding throughout. The Delta would in fact see use by Gianni’s son Edoardo until his death in 2000. The following year, the car was placed for sale with an independent dealership and offered as a standard Martini 6. Noticed on display by chance, Mr Matthews acquired the car immediately and imported the car to the UK. The Delta would remain with him for nearly a decade. Its interim custodian, and serial collector of Italian classics would further retain the car for a period of 5 years. Under the care of its current owner, the Delta has most recently was returned to its native Turin, where it was subject to a full, nut and bolt, ground up restoration. Fully-documented with countless photographs, in a bespoke Martini 6 branded folder – it now presents in the specification in which it was intended for Agnelli – with additional, period correct decals. An opportunity to acquire arguably the most desirable Lancia Delta variant, intended for a titan of the automotive industry, with bespoke touches – this Evoluzione I Martini 6 is available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately.