In the period from 1982 to 1986, the Group B rally car competition witnessed intense rivalries among major car manufacturers including Audi, Citröen, Fiat, Ford, Lancia, Opel, Peugeot, and Rover, each striving for supremacy. Despite its brief existence, this category sparked revolutionary advancements, introducing innovations like all-wheel drive, ‘twin-charging,’ and Kevlar components. One standout contender from this epoch was the Lancia Delta S4 Stradale, which was conceptualized as the heir to the Rally 037.
Crafted to adhere to the 2,500cc segment regulations, the Delta S4 placed emphasis on a lightweight, all-wheel-drive foundation, engaging in fierce competition with the Peugeot 205 T16. Taking a departure from convention, this Lancia model, falling under the 890kg weight division, emerged as the most formidable Group B Rally car for the brand and secured its inaugural triumph at the 1985 RAC Rally.
Fashioned with a CroMoly steel tubular space frame fortified with aluminum alloy, the Delta S4’s framework enabled easy upkeep in challenging rally scenarios. Its rear-positioned 1,759cc powerplant showcased aluminum cylinder linings and a robust ceramic facade, leveraging a dual-charged forced induction mechanism—uniting a nimble supercharger and a turbocharger—to deliver 247bhp at 6,750rpm and 215 lb-ft torque at 4,500rpm.
While the Delta S4 Stradale stands as a remarkable artifact of automotive heritage, it encountered restrained success in the marketplace due to its lofty price tag and the swift progression of rallying, as illuminated by Henry Catchpole in a video presented on the Hagerty YouTube platform.
Image Source: Alexandre Prevot / Shutterstock
