Delta Integrale: £15K Competition Update
John's Integrale emerges from under its winter duvet and into the spring sunshine ... what's that rattle though?
We'll let John pick up the full story and say thanks again to Adrian Flux for sponsoring the competition in the first place.
You've heard the stories; now hear the reality
Towards the end of last summer I had used the Integrale a lot - it was proving an ideal companion for a sunny weekend. One such trip was down to Brighton for the Speed Trials.
I think the Integrale got as much attention as the competition cars - driving along looking for a parking space I could hear people everywhere shouting 'beautiful car' and the like. It's so nice to see the car appreciated, knowing they must be at least some part enthusiast to recognise it! A great day's racing preceded a great drive home, quiet twisty roads and the Lancia running perfectly. I've never had a car that grows on you as much every single time you find yourself on an empty piece of tarmac.
One of its last trips before winter was back to Brands Hatch to watch some club racing. The only thing that would be better would be getting the Integrale on there too but there are two reasons I haven't. The first being it's a rally car and, whilst it would still be fast, I don't think it's an Integrale's spiritual home! The second, and probably larger reason, is that the risk scares me. And I don't think I would drive it hard for that reason.
Happy birthday to you, happy ... oh ...
As soon as I returned home from overseas I wanted to see the Lancia! Rolling back the cover revealed the gleaming car I had often thought about over the past couple of months. I was anxious to get her out for a drive. It just so happened my birthday was the first weekend I was back so there couldn't have been a better time! Out she came, all fluids and tyres checked and she was left to warm up. Everything sounded perfect, all that was left to do was to get out, enjoy the sunshine and the car, whilst having a great birthday.
That plan worked brilliantly, for at least 45 minutes. I noticed at low revs and idling there was a distinct metallic rattling. At the next set of lights it had already got worse so I decided to turn off to investigate, only I couldn't. There were no side roads and only a bus lane next to me... The rattle was getting so loud the hazards came on and thankfully everyone backed off to let me over. But it was too late. There was a distant sensation of something snapping and something dropping out the bottom of the car. I pulled the car onto the pavement and reluctantly got out to investigate, fearing the worst.
It could have been worse, a lot worse...
The next two hours were spent sitting alongside the car, celebrating my birthday on the roadside. Not exactly how I had it planned. The breakdown flatbed eventually arrived and the guy very kindly agreed to take the car to Reading straight to my specialist, Keith at Auto Integrale.
The next day I spoke to Keith, fearing the worst. Thankfully he confirmed it was just the air conditioning belt and pulley that had gone. Phew! Had I known, the belt could have been simply removed and car driven but, to be honest, I'd rather not have risked it. Now it's at Keith's the Integrale is having a full service and MoT ready for the summer.
So what trips do I have planned? Definitely some more Sunday Services and maybe a trip down to Le Mans, although having just been overseas for three months this might have to wait for next year. There is an Italian car show very close to me that I'll be attending in September too.
I'm looking forward to getting the Integrale home and having her tip top ready for some more country lane exploring. If you see me out and about do wave, or if you see me on the roadside with the bonnet up please stop and help!
Previous updates:
It took a while but John finally found his dream Lancia
Is it living up to the hype? Hell yeah!
MoT'd and ready for a summer of fun
There's an issue... with the fuel cap
It's a Sega Rally hero made real!
Additional photography: Tom Begley
If i din't know better, i'd think the car just WANTED to be driven ;-)
Just checked pictures and I was parked next to your Integrale at the Sunday Service at Herts Showground last August.
Superb car and not jealous at all
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff