Lancia debuted at NEC Classic Car Show – but its launch has been put back.

The eagerly awaited Lancia Delta has made its UK debut. The hatch took pride of place on the Lancia Motor Club stand at the Classic Car Show, which was held at Birmingham’s NEC.

Its appearance was arranged without any involvement from the UK arm of Lancia owner Fiat. “It was done as a favour to me from my contacts in Turin,” said club vice-president Paul Baker.

“The car was getting a lot of attention on the stand, and all of it was very positive.” Baker, who is hoping to buy a Delta, even got to climb behind the wheel. “It’s a nice car and fits my criteria, although I only had limited time with it.”
The economic crisis has forced Fiat to delay next year’s launch. Bosses say Lancia will reach the UK “beyond 2009”.