Bonhams is touting a collection of six “works” rally cars at its annual Grand Palais auction, scheduled for February 8 in Paris as part of Retromobile week.
“Leading the pack,” says the auction house, is a 1986 Lancia Delta S4 Group B rally car, one of three believed to have been used for pre-rally “reconnaissance” of the various race stages and still equipped with its original seats marked with the names of driver Markku Alen and co-driver Ilkka Kivimaki.
The car, offered in original condition but ready to be driven, carries Abarth Classiche certification and a pre-auction estimated value of €580,000 to €780,000 ($700,000 to $935,000).
Valued at €250,000 to €200,000 ($240,000 to $300,000) is a 1975 Fiat 124 Abarth Group 4 Spider that was one of seven Olio Fiat works cars and, according to Abarth, “the best of the surviving Group 4 cars.” The 124, which featured 16-valve fuel injection powerplant, competed in Italian and European championship events.
A 1988 Lancia Delta Integrale Group A 8V that raced in Italy and in the Turkish championship also is offered, and in original condition with its various rally stickers still in place. The car is offered in preserved original condition, but with a recently rebuilt 6-speed transmission. It is valued at €220,000 to €170,000 ($265,000 to $205,000).
Also on the docket are a 1973 Fiat 124 Abarth Rallye Spider (with hardtop), one of 1,000 Group 2 homologation cars, a 1974 Fiat X1/9 Group 4 coupe that has been owned and maintained since new by the Abarth Classiche team, and a 2011 Abarth 500 Assetto Corse sedan, the ninth of 85 produced for the 500 Abarth Challenge Trophy competition but presented in “never-raced” condition.
