1993 Lancia HF Integrale Evo II - offered directly from Rowan Atkinson CBE

First seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1979, the Lancia Delta Integrale is best known for its domination of the World Rally Championship in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Constantly being developed, the first Evoluzione cars were built at the end of 1991 and carried on through 1992 and these Evo models were to be the final homologation cars built for the Lancia Rally Team competing under the Martini Racing banner.

Arriving in June 1993, a further development of the HF Integrale naturally became known as the Evo II and featured an updated version of the 2-litre, 16-valve turbo engine producing a little more power (215bhp) and incorporated a three-way catalyst and a Lambda probe, with everything being run by a new Marelli integrated engine control system. Only 4,223 cars were ever built for the global market and the car is now regarded, like several previous Lancia models such as the Fulvia, Stratos and 037, as Rally Royalty.

This, 1993 model Evo II, also featured a cosmetic and functional facelift that included 16'' light alloy rims with 205/45/ZR16 tyres, a body-colour roof moulding to underline the connection between the roof and the solar tinted windows, as well as an aluminium fuel cap and air-intake grills, a red colour-coded cam cover on the engine and a leather-covered, three-spoke MOMO steering wheel along with Recaro bucket seats upholstered in Tan Alcantara with diagonal stitching. The Evo 2 HF Integrale is now considered by many as the one to have and this particular car enjoys an exceptional and appealing pedigree.

Originally supplied to Japan, this car was then selected and imported back to the UK in 2011 with all duties paid. It had been chosen for its rare colour of Lord Blue which is extremely smart and also its comprehensive Japanese service history. The interior of this particular car is also immaculate with the Tan Alcantara high-back seats still looking like new. Maintained professionally on an annual basis in the UK, the car had covered just over 87,000km when, back in May 2021, it was purchased by well known comedian, actor and long time petrol head, Rowan Atkinson CBE.

He is known to be particularly meticulous when it comes to looking after his cars, and the accompanying history file confirms significant expenditure during his tenure. There are invoices detailing a service shortly after his purchase in 2021 (£2,500), a light paint refresh shortly afterwards (£1,800) and a large service with any minor items attended to last year (2022) at a cost of £5,500, all of which explains why the little Lancia remains in such fabulous condition. He has enjoyed many happy hours in the car, although the total mileage still remains below 90,000km.

The second-generation EVO is particularly topical at the moment and collectors are constantly seeking exceptional examples with a well detailed history and in rare colours which this car firmly represents. Supplied with a comprehensive history file, its V5C and a current MOT, this car is ready to be enjoyed and driven as it should be. The market for Integrales of all types continues to firm and this superb example in a subtle shade of dark blue, with low mileage and celebrity provenance deserves your consideration.