Lancia Delta 1979

The 1979 Lancia Delta Base marks the entry-level trim of the first generation of this iconic model. Introduced at the end of 1979, it features a compact five-door silhouette designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro through Italdesign, characterized by sharp angles. This base version is focused on delivering a refined compact car with reasonable proportions and comfortable interior space, presented with a more understated design than the later sportier variants.

Have you spotted this car?Scan it: your photo enriches this page and helps the community.

Scan this car

Photo by @carspoteuse_du69

Curious about this car?

Explore Delta, then try your own photo.

Explore this model Identify my car

No account needed for the result · Publish only if you choose

History

The first generation of the Lancia Delta was launched at the end of 1979 with the goal of creating a more refined compact car than the average of its time. The Base version embodies this aim with its five-door body featuring a sharp, angular design representative of early 1980s styling. This generation uses a front-wheel-drive layout and moderate displacement engines. The Delta's accolade as the 1980 European Car of the Year confirms its favorable reception, although the base trims maintained a discreet presence compared to the sportier variants that would follow.

Latest scans

Photos added by the community for this page.

15 photos

Add yours

Evolution

Throughout the first generation, the Delta Base retained its distinctive profile with sharp lines and a straightforward front end. Unlike the sportier versions, which added features such as widened fenders, special wheels, or ventilated hoods, the Base remained understated with no aesthetic or mechanical performance enhancements. It represents the functional and accessible entry-level of the original Delta, well before turbocharged and four-wheel-drive variants emerged.

2008Delta Base

Same variantPhotos: 0

Variants

The 1979 Delta Base stands in clear contrast to the sportier trims introduced later, like the HF Turbo, HF 4WD, and Integrale versions. These performance models feature specific technical and aesthetic upgrades — turbocharged engines, all-wheel drive, wider bumpers, and ventilated hoods — while the Base maintains a restrained style and modest mechanical setup, targeting customers looking for a practical and comfortable compact rather than a competition car.

References

Lancia brand and Stellantis Heritage certify the Lancia Delta of Miki BiasionStellantis Heritage
Supports the Delta’s six World Rally Championship manufacturers’ titles, four drivers’ titles, and more than forty individual victories.
The Lancia Delta has its world premiereLancia / Stellantis Media
Supports the 2008 Geneva debut, the new model’s positioning, and its design and comfort-oriented concept.
The Lancia Delta Integrale: History, Generations, SpecificationsMotorTrend
Supports the first-generation concept, Giugiaro styling, HF 4WD transition, turbocharged powertrain, and distinction between the road car and the Group B Delta S4.
https://www.virtuagarage.com/lancia/delta-1979-1999/virtuagarage.com
Source found by OpenAI web search for this model page.
https://www.caradisiac.com/lancia-delta-1979-1993-la-1re-compacte-premium-de-l-histoire-des-3-000-eur-178249.htmcaradisiac.com
Source found by OpenAI web search for this model page.
https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/lancia/delta/classics.honestjohn.co.uk
Source found by OpenAI web search for this model page.
https://www.classic.com/m/lancia/delta/classic.com
Source found by OpenAI web search for this model page.