Euro Car of the Year: 1982 Lancia Delta 1500 LX
The first generation (1979-1994) Lancia Delta Tipo 831 is a reminder of when European family hatchbacks were quietly brilliant pieces of industrial design rather than anonymous appliances. Penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro at the height of his powers and crowned European Car of the Year in 1980, the original Delta combined crisp, architectural styling with clever packaging and genuinely sophisticated road manners. Today’s featured Delta is probably one of the nicest examples you’ll see around. Find this 1982 Lancia Delta 1500 LX offered for $15,000 in Washington, DC via craigslist.
From the seller:
1982 Lancia Delta
condition: excellent
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: fwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 80,000
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: hatchback
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro (original designer of VW Golf, Delorean, Lotus Esprit, BMW M1 to name a few) and 1980 European Car of the Year, this carbureted 5 speed manual transmission Lancia Delta 1500 LX was the top of the line in 1982. Wonderful time capsule, unmodified, unmolested, accident-free, and 1 owner for over 35 years.
Repainted once (about 15 years ago) the same original metallic gold color; the finish still looks fantastic. All original, well conserved and complete exterior and interior. Stunning original “camel” wool seats by Zegna and matching door inserts and ceiling surface. District of Columbia clean and clear title. 2 original keys (+ 2 extras) Plenty of docs and records: original owner’s manual, original dealership sticker (and more original stickers throughout), original workshop book, original Lancia Delta LX brochure, original press photos, advertisements and more. All maintenance done (fluids, sparks, plugs, air filter, carb & complete ignition). Working 5 numerals odometer reads 31,915 KM but is likely 131,915KM (still only about 80,000 miles).
You won’t find another Delta in this condition.
See a better way to drive something Giugiaro? tips@dailyturismo.com
This one’s been making the rounds for several years, was first listed on BaT ready to import from Italy in 2017 and again in 2022, now looking a wee bit worse for wear — e.g., the grab-handle extension forward of the passenger armrest is now missing. Gotta wonder if import tariffs suddenly making parts hard/pricey to obtain from Europe may factor into this sale.