Lancia Delta S4 prototype – 1984
Marca : Lancia
Modello : Delta
Versione : S4
Anno : 1984
Telaio N. : SE038-003
Motore N. : 0000001
Esemplari prodotti : 200
Progettista : Ing. Sergio Limone, Ing. Paolo Messori, Ing. Claudio Lombardi
Motore : 4 cilindri in linea
Cilindrata : 1.759 cc
Distribuzione : DOHC
Valvole Cilindro : 4
Alimentazione : Turbocompressore KKK k27 più compressore Volumex
Potenza : 250 CV a 6.750 giri/min
Top speed Km/h : 225
Auction Result
2016 – Le Mans – Artcurial – unsold
After the brilliant 037, Lancia launched the development of the Delta S4, in order to compete with the formidable Peugeot 205 T16 in Group B. Compared to the 037, and sometimes referred to as the 038, the Delta S4 features all-wheel-drive, plus a new engine with a turbocharger system coupled with a conventional supercharger. The project started in 1983 under the supervision of Aurelio Lampredi and Claudio Lombardi, Abarth technical director, aiming for at least 450bhp and a kerb weight of less than 900kg. Meanwhile, a road version was developed in order to meet the homologation requirements which were to produce at least 200 units. The Delta S4 is the predecessor of the future Delta HF 4WD and the Integrale, which went on to win several world titles.
Starting in 1983 Lancia worked on the rallying version and the road version, which was a little heavier and a little less powerful, but still good for 250bhp, making it a very quick car!
This is the prototype of the road version that we have the pleasure to present, featuring chassis number SE038-003 and engine number 001. In August 1984, its red tubular chassis arrived at Abarth, and the car was assembled by Carrozzeria Savio in September. The body was red and covered with a duct tape camouflage. The car was transported to the La Mandria test track for testing sessions in October. The tight and twisty circuit was a lot like a rally track, and the car was developed by Giorgio Pianta and G. Maggi.
Meanwhile, the racing version (001) continued to evolve. The engineers lightened the body, and equipped the car with small Fiat utility vehicle lights, which would become the S4's trademark in competition.
In November, SE038-003 performed other tests, this time on dirt surface with Giorgio Pianta, and in December, the car was on the circuits of La Mandria and Marene, with Pianta, Maggi and Rostagno. In January 1985, testing in preparation for certification tests continued, including those carried out with snow chains in Campo Volo. A month later, in February, the car was tested at the Pirelli track at Vizzola Ticino, once again with Pianta, Maggi and Rostagno.
Used for certification, the car was then sold in July 1989, without registration, to a collector who kept it. So this incredible prototype Lancia S4 was directly sold by Fiat Spa to its current owner, a famous Italian driver and collector who undertook to a complete restoration by the best specialists in Italy documented by various pictures.
Since this is a prototype, it is characterized by several features, such as red colored frame tubes, items which are black on the road versions, and grey on the racing machines. The red body also presents details of its own: the lower corner of the windshield is not well finished, the headband has two diagonal tubes which disappeared on the final version. This particular prototype is especially well-known for the small roof fin close to the Competition cars which wasn't kept for the road versions. Its dashboard is borrowed from the 037 and completely restored, and it is in immaculate condition.
This car is unique because it reflects Lancia's first steps towards developing a highly competitive Group B car which would ultimately lead to the HF Integrale, another iconic model.
