The first generation of the Lancia Delta was released in 1979 and had three generations until the 2014 model. The Delta gradually became a highly coveted name around gearheads, mostly thanks to its dominance of the rallying world in the mid-1980s.
The second generation of the model was the only one available as a 3-door version. In 1995, Lancia unveiled the Delta HPE – HPE standing for High Performance Executive. Compared to the 5-door model, the body sides were redesigned, however, the roof and the rear section remained the same, with the HPE adding a body-color grille and additional air intakes under the headlights.
The HPE was available with three engines: a 2.0 16v, a 1.9 turbodiesel and a 2.0 16v turbo (also called HF, a sportier version). The naturally aspired engines were replaced with new ones in 1996, and the HPE became available with smaller engines as well: a 1.8-liter VVT and a 1.6-liter. Design wise, some minor changes were introduced: alloy wheels, new wheel covers and body color mirror caps.
In 1997, the second generation of the Delta HPE received its final updates and was shown at the Bologna Motor Show. The refreshed design included new bumpers, side skirts, a new spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels . The interior got black leather upholstery.