Like new, this Lancia Delta Integrale HF will be the star of this auction (it was a gift from Agnelli).

Some automotive treasures lie dormant for decades before reappearing, immaculate, as if frozen in time. Such is the case of this 1988 Lancia Delta Integrale HF, once owned by legendary conductor Herbert von Karajan, which will go on sale on October 18, 2025 in Salzburg, at the Classic Expo organized by Humer Granner.

A gift from Gianni Agnelli

In the autumn of 1988, Gianni Agnelli, the legendary president of Fiat, presented his friend and neighbor in St. Moritz with a Delta HF Integrale Grigio Metallizzato. Lancia has transformed its peaceful sedan into a rally beast. With its 185 hp, wide fenders and all-wheel drive, the Integrale symbolizes Italian excellence and Lancia's domination of the world championship.

Von Karajan, a speed enthusiast and already the owner of an impressive automobile collection, received the car personally from the Avvocato. Shortly afterwards, it was given an "EE 291 AA" license plate, typical of Italians without permanent residence. But the maestro didn't have time to really enjoy it.

Just 2,845 kilometers on the odometer

A few trips between Turin, St. Moritz and Anif, then a little slip on the ice that prompted him to buy Pirelli winter tires... in 1988. These same tires are still fitted to the car today, accompanied by the original invoice in Herbert von Karajan's name. After his death in July 1989, the Lancia remained in the family garage, forgotten behind boxes.

More than 35 years later, it resurfaces, almost intact: original bodywork, period paintwork, preserved interior, only 2,845 km on the odometer. A time capsule.

A valuation worthy of its history

Presented as Lot 172 in the Humer Granner sale, this Delta Integrale HF is estimated at between 90,000 and 140,000 euros. While the sale will feature other Italian beauties such as a Ferrari Dino 246 GT, Maserati Merak and Lancia Fulvia Zagato, the maestro's Delta is undoubtedly the emotional star of the collection.
It's the car of a mythical orchestrator, who symmobilizes his friendship with Agnelli, and of an era when Lancia dominated the world of rallying.

Photo credit: Humer Granner.