Lancia Delta Integrale (Hardcover)

To say I was not dissapointed would not be doing the book justice. It makes a great read, and doesn't just bombard you with facts or techinical info, but is put together in a nice cronological manner that is easily digested incorporating the tech talk with just the right amount of "laymenness" as to not alienate the more knowledable readers. This gets across the the technical inovations that led to the amazing rally success, and ultimately fantastic road car to us lesser mortals without any head scratching, that would have otherwise made it less accessable read.

So even if you don't have an Integrale, or considering buying one, but just want a good read because you love cars, you can't go wrong with this one.

The Lancia Delta Integrale was the most successful rally car of all time, winning the World Rally Manufacturer's Championship for an unprecedented six consecutive seasons between 1988-1992. As a road car, it was considered almost unbeatable for pure driving pleasure, grip, handling and value. No car offered so much capability and speed for so little money. That over 30,000 cars were sold (for what was a homologation special) shows how successful it was.

This book covers everything it is possible to know about the performance Delta; from technical updates to minutae such as tables of chassis numbers and sponsors of the factory rally cars. Boxes, fitted neatly into the text, give interesting insights into key players in the Integrale's story, including the people behind it like Giorgio Pianta, Abarth Racing, the Jolly Club, Martini and others who all played a part in the Delta's success.

The quality of the pictures is excellent with a variety of motorsport shots, and road cars in action. Also included are rare derivatives such as the Zagato Hyena and the super-rare Agnelli convertable as well as info on special editions. The text is well written and detailed without becoming dense or dull. For fans (like me) of the car, it's fascinating, with an endless stream of behind-the-scenes stories, interviews and facts. For those looking for a general introduction to the car, there is probably no better book. It could have given some information about buying an Integrale, but this is a very minor quibble.

Whether you are looking to buy an Integrale and want to know more about the model, or you are a general enthusiast,I can recommend this book wholeheartedly.Like it's subject, nothing else comes close.