I Am Now A Delta Owner!

[TJB]

After missing out on 3 Deltas in Central Scotland, I finally bagged this one on Monday.

 

1.6 Multijet SR. Only 49000 miles and service history. A pre-reg then one owner. Part of a deceased estate. It's the first time I can say that the sales photos didn't do the car justice. It really is immaculate. Only slight worry is that there's uncertainty over whether the timing belt has been done, but I negotiated accordingly. Other than that it drives superbly. I don't think the back seat has ever been used.

 

 

[MikeyRules]

Welcome to the fold fella, she looks a beaut!

 

I said it would be worth holding out for an SR or above, and it certainly looks like it's paid off!

[TJB]

^{I went expecting to be disappointed, and prepared to walk away, but the car was just so well cared for I'd have kicked myself.}

[Nello]

Well done TJB - that Bronze (Savannah?) colour is quite scarce. Enjoy the drive and stick along here for the journey....... BTW Whereabouts in Bonnie are you?

[TJB]

Well done TJB - that Bronze (Savannah?) colour is quite scarce. Enjoy the drive and stick along here for the journey....... BTW Whereabouts in Bonnie are you?

 

We're on the Rosneath Peninsula in Argyll. I thought the colour was Nadir Pearl, but I can't find the paint code to confirm.

 

I think you'll be hearing from me a lot I've already started sourcing Lancia bits for it. My first foray in to Italian car ownership having been mostly a GM and Rover man. I still have a Rover 75 in the garage. The Delta has impressed in the ride quality department. I'd say its not far short of the 75, even on our lumpy rural roads.

[Rossocorsa]

When I bought my Delta it replaced an MG ZT, I'd say the engine was way better but ride, handling and comfort much better on the MG. Reliability of Delta was streets ahead though, the MG was a bit of a nightmare, still one of my favourite cars though.

[Rossocorsa]

When I bought my Delta it replaced an MG ZT, I'd say the engine was way better but ride, handling and comfort much better on the MG. Reliability of Delta was streets ahead though, the MG was a bit of a nightmare, still one of my favourite cars though.

[Alcantaradelta]

That delta looks fantastic in that colour well done in finding one in such great condition....

With the lancia grill and badges it will make all the difference,, to an already good looking car...

The sr spec really makes it special the wheels and the seats so much better than se..

[Nello]

Some great roads up there TJB    I have a friend in Bridge of Weir so have travelled around there a few times - lovely part of the world. You are probably right about the colour. Been a while since I've had the Brochure out - The colour code should be on a chromed sticker under the nose edge of the bonnet. Why don't you consider wrapping the roof and pillars Matte black? Alot of Delta's had that finish - would complete the car IMO. My Mum's partner has had 75's for years - they are really comfy but you can really feel the weight they carry! The Delta is typical in many an FCA C segment product in having a fairly hard ride. Let us know if you need any Lancia changeover advice    

Edited November 3, 2018 by Nello

[TJB]

Thanks everyone for all the input.

 

I've managed to source most of the exterior stuff for a Lancia changeover, bit I have a feeling the driver's airbag and front head rests  could be a bit of a challenge.

[TJB]

When I bought my Delta it replaced an MG ZT, I'd say the engine was way better but ride, handling and comfort much better on the MG. Reliability of Delta was streets ahead though, the MG was a bit of a nightmare, still one of my favourite cars though.

 

Which ZT did you have? I've had 3 75s and a ZT-T and every flavour of engine from 1.8 K Series through 2.0 diesel to my current 2.5 KV6. It's a bit of a learning curve for me getting used to the power delivery on the 1.6 Multijet as it's a few years since I've run a diesel.

Edited November 4, 2018 by TJB

[Josboogz]

Tjb, nice buy!

 

please post some pics when you get the Lancia conversion completed.

 

I have the same colour Delta Inc trim in a petrol SR. It's a pearlescent bronze that never comes out on the photos. My neighbours love it.

 

There was a Lancia specialist down near Evesham that I think can source the Lancia headrests, I can dig out the contact details if you're interested?

[TJB]

Tjb, nice buy!

 

please post some pics when you get the Lancia conversion completed.

 

I have the same colour Delta Inc trim in a petrol SR. It's a pearlescent bronze that never comes out on the photos. My neighbours love it.

 

There was a Lancia specialist down near Evesham that I think can source the Lancia headrests, I can dig out the contact details if you're interested?

 

Thanks, yes, please PM me the details.

[Nello]

Jos share the headrest details here please! 

[MikeyRules]

Jos share the headrest details here please! 

Yes I echo that, please share!

 

One of the great things about this forum is leaving a trail of useful info for current and future Delta owners, as there's nothing else out there catering for this car.

[JH88]

Beautiful colour!

Well done on the find and enjoy your new Italian girlfriend. She looks super clean and well cared for.

Enjoy!

[TJB]

Beautiful colour!

Well done on the find and enjoy your new Italian girlfriend. She looks super clean and well cared for.

Enjoy!

Thanks, it's generally very good. It stood for 5 months after the previous owner died, and I've had to do some fairly major detailing work to get rid of the tar and algae, but it has come up very well.

It's in at the garage next week for a timing belt, water pump and service. So it should be good to go for a long time.

[ForzaLancia]

Is this the guy that supplies the headrests?

 

http://www.tancbarratt.co.uk

[Nello]

Blimey not heard of Tanc Barratts for a while. I used to take my old Fulvia to Tanc which he sold on as well as my Giulia 105 Coupe. Didn't even realise he was still going!