Tamiya Lancia Delta HF Integrale Project

As an American I knew nothing of the Lancia Delta and, based on some photos, assumed it was just another little boring European hatchback.  Apparently I was wrong.  While some of the lower models were indeed pretty boring, the HF Integrale version with 4WD and a turbo charged 2.0l 4-cylinder engine was the winningest car type in World Rallying history.  The HF debuted in 1987, the Integrale version in 1988, and the 16 valve engine in 1989.  Based on the bulge in the hood, this model represents the 16v version.  The first Tamiya model of this car was the 58117 from 1992 on the TA-02 chassis.  It was re-released several times with the 58342 on the TT-01 chassis in 2005, the 58446 on the DF-03Ra chassis in 2009, and finally both the 58570 on the TT-02 chassis and the 58569 on the XV-01 chassis in 2013.  While they all use the same body, that's a big difference in chassis types.  I'm partial to the XV-01 chassis for rallying so that's the one I bought.  Sadly, the most recent releases don't include the interior with driver and co-driver like the originals.  However, since the interior is common to the re-released Lancia 037 it is easy to find one and install it.

The XV-01 is a 4WD rally chassis which is belt driven from a front mounted motor.  All that weight over the front wheels makes for good cornering.  The chassis is fully enclosed with the belts, electronics, and battery all hidden from view.  It has 4 wheel double wishbone suspension with front and rear sealed gear differentials.  The ground clearance is limited so it isn't made for heavy off roading, but on asphalt or small gravel it excels.

With this model, the chassis is not really the point.  That accurate body shell is what the model is all about.  It is polycarbonate, not a hard body like the 037.  The paint may appear plain white but there are plenty of small details to paint on the grille.  Finally, you get to spend hours upon hours trimming and applying the 100+ stickers to really make the model perfect.  "Perfect" is a strong word given how difficult it is to get some of the larger decals on without bubbles or wrinkles.  I did my best but in the end bought an aftermarket body shell.  This was not so much because my decorations were bad but because the aftermarket shell also includes light buckets allowing me to add LEDs for maximum realism.

Update:  This model was destroyed in the 2022 fire.  It has not been replaced.