Homologation heroes | PH Auction Block

Two Group A legends; two very different approaches

Homologated specials come in all different shapes and sizes. Rally specials are among the most popular and arguably the most attainable, given they’re typically based on cooking models, but there are GT-prepped supercars like the upcoming Lexus/Toyota GT3 machine and even Dakar-grade 4x4s like the Mitsubishi Pajero Evo. The two cars we have here, both due to go under the PH hammer this Sunday, represent the opposite ends of the homologation spectrum.

First up, there’s a Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evolution II which, admittedly, isn’t strictly a homologation special, rather it’s a development of one. The first Evo arrived in 1991 with a suite of upgrades (wider track, revised suspension, more power, etc), all of which helped Lancia secure its tenth and final constructors’ championship in the WRC a year later. The Italian marque would pull its factory support in 1993, though that didn’t stop it from releasing a second Evolution with various engine and cosmetic tweaks for what many consider to be the definitive version of the Delta Integrale.

Born from the Group A era means this Evo II looks almost identical to the rally cars piloted by Miki Biasion and Juha Kankkunen. Well, minus the Martini livery and carbon wheel covers. This example’s Lord Blue hue is a far more subtle look, especially when it’s paired with tan Alcantara Recaros (which were only offered on Evo IIs and the run-out specials). Originally registered in Japan, this 1994 car came to the UK in 2008 and has since been treated to some light modifications including adjustable coilovers and a rear strut brace which, in theory, means it should drive even better than it did when new. It’s otherwise bone stock and has been dry stored for much of its life, so it really is a very lovely and well-cared-for example.

The BMW M3 Sport Evolution, meanwhile, is a bit different, both in terms of approach and provenance. Like the Integrale, the E30 M3 was built to get BMW as close to the sharp end of the DTM grid, which, in the mid-'80s, was also making use of Group A regulations. That meant a lightweight, rev-hungry four-cylinder engine paired with a close-ratio, dog-leg five-speed gearbox, a limited-slip diff and beefy box arches. You're looking at the Sport Evolution, the final iteration of the E30 M3, which brought power to 238hp, improved cooling and delivered even chunkier bodywork.

Just 600 examples were made, so it’s a properly rare sight, particularly as they’re usually snapped up by collectors whenever they come up for sale. Admittedly, this isn’t a concourse example. Quite the opposite, in fact: it’s a Category D (so non-structural) write-off, following a knock to the rear nearside bodywork in 2001. There are also some question marks over the mileage owing to the switch over from kilometres to miles in 1998. The 125,035-mile reading is believed to be accurate, with plenty of documentation to back it up, though the dash still reads in kilometres.

Nevertheless, it’s been serviced by specialists and sparingly used over the last 20 years, so it’s a great opportunity to pick up a legendary M car for (potentially) less than you might have otherwise paid. And why not grab the Delta while you’re at it, because the pair of them do make for a brilliant two-car garage. Bidding gets underway on April 20th, which still gives you time to make an offer if you’d like to beat other bidders to the punch. Expect there to be a few of those, as a tidy Delta and a Sport Evo of any kind don’t come up for sale all that often - let alone at the same time from the same seller.

See the full Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo II listing

See the full BMW M3 Sport Evolution listing

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Moss Feen

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