“Fire up the Quattro!” If you can resist the urge to utter those immortal lines when you’re ensconced in the Teutonic splendour of a period Audi Coupe, then you’ve a deal more self control than we have. A legend long before Gene Hunt jabbed his size 10s into the carpet and hurled abuse at passers-by, the Audi Coupe is still a much loved modern classic, one that has seen values rocketing in recent years.
Here we have a very nice example that has been mechanically restored to a fine standard – now all it needs is a final cosmetic restoration to the exterior and a light touch to the interior. If you’ve always fancied putting one of these fantastically capable machines in your garage, then this is a great opportunity.
The History and Paperwork
First registered in January 1986
Current owner since June 2016
Six registered owners from new (current owner accounts for two of those)
181,367 miles on the clock
Two keys with remote key fobs
V5c present and correct
Present MOT to January 2024
Large history file full of invoices and previous MOT certificates
Haynes manual
Crankshaft locking tool
Strut top tool
Speedometer cable tool
Bentley Official Factory Repair Manual
September 1996 : Purchased by vendor at 110,000 miles and already on private registration VIB4131
January 2000: Exported and re-registered in The Netherlands by the vendor
July 2005: Returned to UK and re-registered as VIB4131. Sold to new owner at 161,825 miles
2008: Odometer ceased to function at 170,112 miles. It is estimated that the car covered an additional 3,000-4,000 miles not recorded on the odometer
January 2016: Repurchased by the vendor
June 2016: Recommissioned by the vendor (including odometer repair)
Some photos of the rebuild are available
January 2023: MOT test passed at 181,352 miles
The vendor reports the car has been a joy to own, service and drive, but current circumstances mean they are unable to give it the full care and attention it needs, so it is with reluctance that they offer it for sale
The Interior
The vendor tells us that the interior is original, with the exception of the stereo system and the Sparco steering wheel
The grey fabric seat upholstery is all in very good condition for the age, with the exception of the driver’s seat which is somewhat threadbare and has worn through on the bolster
The black carpet is generally in decent condition, other than an area around the pedals which is worn and faded, with a hole near the clutch pedal
The light coloured headlining is a little stained, but appears to be secure and undamaged
Vinyl covering on the passenger sun visor has pulled away from the vanity mirror
It’s reported that all of the switchgear and illumination is working as it should
The only fault noted is that the wiper switch sometimes needs to be operated creatively to get the wipers to park correctly
Aftermarket Sparco sports steering wheel, with centre-line
Manually operated sunroof
Electric front windows
In February 2023 all failed switchgear lamps were replaced with new LEDs, which were carefully colour matched to the originals
Custom stereo system, details as follows:
High quality drive units by SB Acoustics and Seas, solidly mounted along with Linkwitz-Riley crossovers on bespoke aluminium frames underneath the parcel shelf
Front speakers are the originals in good condition
A Kruger & Matz five-channel Class-D amplifier is installed in the glove compartment
A custom Bluetooth head unit with control buttons can be paired with a smartphone, which can be magnetically mounted on the head unit itself
This installation has been done discreetly and sympathetically with regard to the original styling of the car
Speaker cables are already present under the rear seat for potential subwoofer installation in rear passenger side panels.
We’re told that the cabin is substantially free of squeaks and rattles, save for the sunroof which sometimes develops a slight squeak
The generous boot is in good, clean original condition, but does show some signs of use
A full-size spare is present in place of the original spacesaver – the mounting bracket for the spare has been moved slightly to allow the full size spare to be secured correctly in the boot
A jack and tool roll is present
The sunroof stowage brackets in the upper boot have been removed to increase boot volume slightly, and allow access to the rear strut tops to allow them to be removed
A charging port has also been installed in the boot
The Exterior
Graphite metallic paintwork is in below average condition, wearing quite a lot of dinks, scuffs, scratches and chips – particularly to the leading edge of the bonnet
Numerous small areas of corrosion need attention
We’re told that corrosion around windscreen seal sometimes allows very slight ingress of water in stormy weather
The clearcoat on the roof is peeling
Custom remote electromechanical central locking and immobiliser replaces original vacuum system – the doors are de-locked and fitted with armour plates
The boot-mounted badges are not the original design for this model – already in place when the car was purchased in 1996, the vendor believes them to be genuine VAG items intended for the UR-quattro
In 2018 the rear light clusters were replaced with new units, and in July 2019 the headlamp reflectors were renewed
The windscreen has a stone chip which has been repaired but which is still visible.
Near-side front lower vent is missing and has been replaced with a plastic mesh
The 14-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels are in need of some refurbishment, all still wearing their original finish
The two rear tyres were replaced in 2017, while the vendor notes that the front tyres may be in need of replacement
Patches of corrosion on the body and underneath have been kept at bay with applications of black WaxOyl underseal
There are two small repair patches on the boot floor, and we are told that the sills have also been welded
Overall, the underside of the car appears to be solid and straight, with no obvious damage or serious corrosion we could see
The Mechanics
2,226cc naturally aspirated, inline-five engine
Five-speed manual transmission
Quattro all-wheel drive system with locking differentials
The vendor has provided an extremely comprehensive service history which includes the following details of some older work undertaken:
12/97 Power steering rack rebuild and fluid + filter replacement (Estimated 120k miles)
1/99 Front and rear Koni adjustable dampers (Estimated 140k miles)
Following an overheating problem in the previous ownership, the car was mechanically overhauled in 2016 after the vendor repurchased the vehicle, this included:
Full engine rebuild – it has performed faultlessly since
Block stripped, thoroughly cleaned, inspected and refinished with high temperature enamel
Oversize rebore and undersize crank grind
Head stripped, cleaned, inspected, mildly ported (inlet manifold matching, smoothing and contouring of rough parts)
Polished combustion chambers and valves
Valve seat re-cut/lap
Very light skim to clean up mating surface
New parts fitted: valve guides, hydraulic lifters, conrod bolts, main bearings, big end bearings, pistons/rings, gudgeon pins/clips, all seals and gaskets, water pump, timing belt and idler pulley, spark plugs, thermostat, oil filter, ancillary belts
Once assembled, the cooling system was pressure tested with air
Other items replaced during 2016 overhaul: radiator, rear brake hoses, air filter, fuel filter, fuel lines (copper), brake lines (copper), front and rear brake discs/pads, front anti roll bar bushes, power steering fluid
Many non-critical fasteners replaced with stainless steel items
Sump, timing belt covers, cooling fan shroud, cam cover all powder coated
2017: Injectors replaced, fuel system fully tested, fuel pump and associated flexible pipework replaced
2018: Rear brake callipers replaced with used 38mm callipers in good condition (direct fitment from newer VAG models)
2021: New front brake hoses, refreshed brake fluid
11/2022: New battery fitted and clutch fluid replaced
1/2023: Reversing light switch renewed
Recent new clutch
The vendor assures us that the car is in good overall mechanical and electrical condition – repairs and servicing having been carried out to a high standard with reliability and longevity in mind
We’re told the car is a joy to drive, with mechanical noise a little more evident at low speeds, satisfying exhaust note and excellent performance from the engine
Neither diff-lock is working correctly, most likely due to leaky vacuum hoses
Work done is only a limited overview of the major items
Summary
Nothing else sounds or drives quite like a Quattro. Having undergone some extensive mechanical restoration, this lovely old coupe is now ready for someone to give it the cosmetic finish it deserves – and then to enjoy it for many more years to come.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
1986 Audi Coupe Quattro
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