"The symbiotic relationship between car maker and sponsor has always been important. Sometimes though, the match is perfect. At the forefront of everyone’s memory is usually the Ford GT40 and Gulf Oil, Lotus and John Player Special cigarettes, Tyrell and Elf Oil but arguably, most famous is Lancia and Martini. For generations, motorsport fans have watched multifarious disciplines of Lancia on the podium always accompanied by the classic Martini livery.
It is entirely appropriate then that more modern track cars sport similar livery as is demonstrated in this well considered example. Converted from left to righthand drive in 2004, it also underwent a massive rebuild at the same time. This included Momo competition seating, Sabelt harnesses, full cockpit roll cage and extinguishers. The five-speed gearbox is standard although the engine has been ‘breathed’ upon raising the power output to 250bhp. Fuel is stored to the rear in an ATL aluminium fuel tank with later Evo-style wheels and Michelin rubber keeping the car on the road. This Martini Integrale is well known, has much paperwork including an MoT certificate valid until October this year and has huge fun written all over it."