A one-off exclusive Lancia Prisma, created especially for Fiat patriarch Gianni Agnelli, is presently on sale in Italy. Bearing a startling resemblance to its ‘bigger brother’, the Thema – an impression aided by the 14” 8-spoke alloy wheels, similar to those on a Thema 16V – this Prisma is somewhat different to others of its ilk. Built in January 1987, this particular example has been fitted with the 2.0-litre turbocharged twin-cam engine and four-wheel drive running gear of the then-new Delta HF 4WD, to create an unofficial ‘factory’ turbocharged Prisma Integrale.

Of course, it is this same engine and running gear which provided the basis for the long-running evolution of the legendary Delta Integrale, a car which would keep the Lancia name at the top of the rallying tree from its launch in 1988 right up until 1992. The Delta HF 4WD, launched in mid-1986 and the basis for Lancia’s successful 1987 WRC campaign, itself borrowed its two-litre engine from the Thema turbo, so this Prisma’s aforementioned resemblance to a Thema is not merely skin-deep. The Prisma’s motor, however, has been tweaked up from the standard 165bhp to 174bhp. 

The Prisma is one of two prototypes built, and the only one remaining (the other example being written off in a testing accident). It has an interesting history, originally serving as Agnelli’s private car, before being sold on to former works rally driver for Fiat, Alcide Paganelli. Following this, it then found itself in the hands of Tony Carello (of Carello automotive lights, now owned by Magneti Marelli). Carello’s ownership also meant that the car recently underwent a complete engine rebuild by Lancar, and has completed just 6,000km since. With the exterior painted in traditional Lancia blue, the car’s interior is also worthy of its bespoke status. It features air conditioning and four electric windows, as well as a wooden-rim Nardi steering wheel and leather panels throughout (replacing the standard plastic). Special Koni suspension on all four corners completes the makeover.
 

Clearly, this Prisma represents a highly desirable evolution of the breed, but it arguably plays second fiddle to another ‘Agnelli special’ within the broader Delta/Prisma family. Perhaps the ultimate example of Giugiaro’s elegant hatchback is the unique Delta Integrale Cabrio. Painted silver and based around an Integrale Evoluzione, this two-door Integrale was created for the “l’avvocato” himself. Due to Agnelli’s handicap, the car was equipped with an automatic Valeo electronic clutch. 

The Prisma was originally launched in 1982, being based around a Fiat Regata floorplan - itself a slightly stretched version of the Ritmo/Strada which formed the base of the Delta. Designed (like the Delta) by Giugiaro, it was effectively a three-box saloon version of the popular hatchback, and used the same 1300, 1500 and 1600 engines. In 1984, it was fitted with a 1929cc Fiat-derived diesel, the first Lancia car so-equipped, whilst a year later this engine was turbocharged to offer a further oil-burning option. In 1986, the range was revised in tandem with the Delta. The big news was the arrival of a four-wheel drive version, which in fact entered production before the Delta HF 4WD. The Prisma Integrale, however, featured the naturally-aspirated 115bhp 2.0 engine from the Thema i.e., hooked up to a less sophisticated 4WD system with a manually-lockable rear differential (for use on slippery surfaces only), as compared with the Delta's permanent 4WD. Production of the model carried on until 1989, when it was replaced in the lineup by the Dedra.

by Shant Fabricatorian