On September 18th 2005 an incredible and unprecedented 132 Lancia Integrales took part in a run from London to Madeira Drive, in Brighton. Drivers from as far as Norway, the Netherlands and France, arrived at the finish to enjoy the biggest Delta festival ever recorded. Cars from the rare Zagato-created Hyena to former factory rally examples, and historic rarities such as the Appia and Lambda with a few Stratos' in between, took part in this amazing event.

London to Brighton - Background

On November 14th 1896 the British Parliament passed the Locomotive Act. This raised the speed that "light locomotives" could be driven from 4 mph to 14 mph. The requirement for them to be proceeded by a person on foot with a red flag was also abolished. Although the red flag rule was actually abolished in 1878, the ceremonial destruction of a red flag on the first London to Brighton run in 1896 kicked off an annual tradition that has run almost without exception to the present day.

The 2005 Lancia Delta London to Brighton Run

The Lancia Delta London to Brighton Run retraced major chunks of the historic route, and also included a surprise cross-country section. All 132 drivers taking part received a 'tulip' map of the entire route on arrival at Dulwich College, London. After a traditional English breakfast the drivers met old and new friends from previously Lancia Delta events. After the group photo and filmshoot of the 'Real Italian Job' the run started off running through the streets of the English capital city. The route was fantastic, and all along, the route wound through the nice scenery of the South of England.
 

The finish line was the famous Madeira Drive - the historic finishing point for all the official London to Brighton runs. A former Carlos Sainz-raced Lancia Integrale Evo was there to greet the drivers. Down the rows a unique Hyena stood out, while several Integrale/Lancia specialist trade stands sprung up, and the Blaupunkt in-car demonstration vehicle, all helped to see Madeira Drive filled by a glorious array of Lancias.

At 6pm the results of the competitions where announced. The categories were for pre Evo, Evo, Limited Editions, Wildcards and Concours, with another prize being offered to participant who had travelled to longest distance. The judges - made up of the sponsors and organisers - put the emphasis on age, use and condition. For the 'Concours' the focus was very much on originality and condition and was open to all models of 'old' Delta. The 'Wildcards' category was for specially prepared, scary or alternative cars and was open to all!

Results: Best pre Evo: Nick Bonathan, 8v Grigrio; Best Evo: Rick Smith, Evo 2 Bianco; Best Limited Edition: David Christie, Lagos Blue; Wild and Wonderful: Mark Rapson, Evo 2 Full Martini/Custom interior; Concours: Simon Pimblett, Evo 2 Monza; Luck Dip: Chris Sinclair, Dealer Collection

by Steven van der Bent