Fancy a Lancia Delta Integrale, enhanced for the modern day? Then let me present to you: the new Manhart Integrale 400.
If you’re talking about restomods, usually it’ll be in the context of a classic Porsche 911. From Singer, to Gunther Werks (and I guess RWB to an extent), there are all sorts of companies out there willing to offer you their own modified spin on Stuttgart’s legendary sportscar. For a while, the Jaguar E-Type was hot on the list of resto-modders’ wish lists too, but now, a new car has become the center of attention.
For many people who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, the Lancia Delta Integrale is high on the list of aspirational hero cars – not only was it uber-successful in the World Rally Championship, but it made for a badass (and quite exotic) hot hatch too.
While some aspects of the original still hold up today, it’s only natural that technology has moved on since this car was in its prime. So, to give it a little helping hand, the likes of Automobili Amos and Maturo Competition Cars have created their own Delta-based restomods in recent years, sparking a new flurry of enthusiasm for the Italian rally star. Next to jump on the trend are renowned German tuning house, Manhart. Here’s what they’ve brought to the table…
Styling Mods
The first thing you’ll notice about this car is the way it looks. Perhaps surprisingly, there’s no major revisions to the actual bodywork itself – people love the chunky, angular lines of the original Giugiaro design, so why change it? Instead, the styling revisions come in the form of a Manhart decal package and fresh set of aftermarket alloy wheels.
In particular, Manhart are offering you a set of OZ Racing Rallye rims as part of the package, shown here in ‘Dark Graphite’ with silver font. However, like the decals, the client will have final say on the car’s wheel setup. You can have any color combination you wish for, and theoretically, there’s nothing stopping your from opting for a different style of wheel entirely.
Engine Mods
You’ll find the biggest modifications under the hood. Manhart has put a lot of work into revitalizing the Integrale’s 2.0-liter 16v I4. It now features forged pistons and connecting rods that Manhart have designed in-house, as well as notably upsized turbo and Group N competition-spec air intake. Completing the concoction, Manhart has thrown in a more aggressive exhaust and, naturally, a reworked ECU to keep all those engine mods in check. The end result is 375hp and 406lb ft of torque, bringing it in line with many of the current-day German AWD ‘hyper hatches’
Further along the powertrain, you’ll find an upgraded Sachs clutch, however the standard manual gearbox remains (albeit enhanced by a few uprated components from the Group N competition cars). Given that it’s only got five speeds, this will give the car a retro feel to match its retro visuals.
Handling Mods
Manhart hasn’t ignored the car’s handling traits either. While it hasn’t altered the original recipe too much, Manhart has thrown in a couple of mods to help the Delta handle its new-found power.
Suspension-wise, you get a new set of KW V3 coilovers, while an internally-designed-and-built Manhart Evo brake kit supplies the Delta with 380mm rotors at the front, and 284mm at the rear.
How much does the Manhart Integrale 400 cost?
Well, there isn’t a definitive price as such. Like a suit tailor, Manhart is willing to bend to clients’ individual demands, and therefore, the price will bend with your individual desires. However, to give you an idea, the Manhart demo car pictured in this article is currently listed for sale at 129,000 euros. At the time of writing, that translates to $144,596, or £111,985.
That’s a lot of money for an ’80s hot hatch, but bear in mind that it’s much more ‘affordable’ than its Automobili Amos and Maturo Comp. restomod counterparts. Admittedly, with those you’re paying for a much more forensic level of workmanship, but if your budget doesn’t stretch as far as they demand, the Manhart Integrale 400 seems to be a worthy alternative.
