Lancia Delta Integrale Evo2 – The Perfect Build

Can a car be so good that it deserves a second feature? Well, since you’re reading this, I’ll take that as a yes. 😉

I first came across this Lancia Delta Integrale Evo2 Formula Edition at Ultrace last year, and it stopped me in my tracks. The deep Blue Lord paint, the aggressive stance, and the Work Meister S1 wheels imported all the way from Japan. The trend of JDM wheels on Euro cars continues. It was love at first sight.

For many, poster cars are machines like the Ferrari F40 or a Lamborghini Countach. But for me? This was the car. The history, the WRC dominance, the countless special editions—everything about the Delta Integrale makes it a legend in its own right.

JDM Wheels on a Golf MK4 R32? Yes Please!

At Risenation Hall of Fame, my first event of the season, one thing stood out. Not some over-the-top wrap or an exhaust loud enough to trigger seismic activity, but something more subtle—and possibly more controversial. European cars rocking wheels usually reserved for Japanese legends. The biggest head-turner? This Volkswagen Golf R32, built by Alex Fuller. If I had to put together a top five from the event, this would be in it. No question.

The base car is a Mk4 Golf R32, an icon in its own right, but Alex has taken it to another level. The body has been resprayed in its original OEM Deep Blue Pearl, a color that still looks as timeless as ever. Visually, everything else appears to be standard R32—until you get to the wheels. And this is where things get interesting.

VIP Scene Emerges: Toyota LS400 Shines Bright

The VIP, or “Bippu,” scene in Europe is still in its infancy, with enthusiasts looking to the OGs in Japan—the birthplace of the term—for inspiration. The formula is straightforward: take a large Japanese sedan, lower it with air ride suspension, and add a set of shiny wheels. It sounds simple, but like dining out, there’s a vast difference between Michelin-starred restaurants and a fast food restaurant.

The owner of this 1992 Toyota LS400 has followed the VIP recipe to perfection, creating a stunning VIP build that he showed off at Ultrace. The car originally came in black—a solid choice for a VIP build—but the owner decided to go beyond the standard. The car now boasts a two-tone paint job: the upper part in a shade resembling Millennium Jade, and the lower part in silver. The silver striping that ties the two colors together is a particularly elegant touch.

A body kit is essential in this scene, and it can make or break the look. The kit on this LS400 is the Evolution Total Systems V1, a rare find but a perfect match for the car. The custom LED taillights, made in collaboration with a friend, add another layer of uniqueness.