Forget the Delta Integrale and grab this Zagato Hyena instead

The Lancia Delta HF Integrale had a good run from 1987–94, but two years before the last Evoluzione II would roll off the assembly line, Dutch collector Paul V.J. Koot decided to go further with Lancia’s rally champion platform. He contacted Zagato, only to end up with the coachbuilder’s signature double-bubble roof on an aluminum-bodied car weighing 265 pounds less than the Integrale Evo II they started out with. And having 250 horsepower and all-wheel drive onboard turned the 1992 Zagato Hyena into an absolute weapon of a coupé.

However, Koot’s ambitions for a 75-unit run were cut short by Lancia parent company Fiat, who decided not to supply this venture with the requested bare Integrale chassis. As a result, Koot was forced to buy complete Integrales, which were then shipped to Milan to get stripped, re-bodied in aluminum, and upgraded with Zagato’s new carbon-fiber dashboard, central console, and door skins. No surprise the finished product cost as much as a Porsche 911.

Finished in a custom shade of metallic green, the car offered at Silverstone Auction’s Race Retro Classic Competition Car Sale in February is number 9 of 24 Hyenas made, based on a 1993 Integrale HF Evoluzione II. However, it was “first registered on September 15, 1992, presumably to avoid the forthcoming catalytic convertor requirements.”

Delivered to Luxembourg in 1993, the car first hit the market in March 2005 with 3700 miles on the clock. It then went to a Dutch Lancia collector and rally driver called Jef van Hoot, who put less than 2000 miles on it over his 13 years of ownership. In 2018, he also sent back the car to its creator, Paul Koot for a full service.

Offered now from Germany with a set of 17-inch OZ alloys along with its original wheel and tire package, this Hyena is said to be in prime condition, ready for a Zagato enthusiasts who won’t be intimidated by the Delta Integrale short wheelbase and ’90s turbo temperament. 

In case Mr. Koot’s taste doesn’t align with yours, this auction in February will also feature a late 1990 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary in Miura Orange, a 1950 Jaguar XK120 competition with a great racing history, and 1960’s Lotus 19 “Monte Carlo” chassis #953. That’s at least four great reasons for visiting Coventry.