Highlights
- Fresh from a complete, bare metal restoration
- Impressive, complete history file
- Supplied with 12 month’s MOT
- Incredible, show ready condition
- All original specification
The Appeal
Let’s just get right to it. If you’ve always wanted to own an original Audi Quattro, it’s this one. That’s it. That’s all there is to it. This 10v all wheel-drive monster is fresh from an incredibly extensive restoration, during which not one nut nor bolt has been left unturned. The paint is rich and deep, the original interior has been preserved and cleaned, the engine has been completely rebuilt and with the exception of some modern suspension bushes and a stainless exhaust system, it remains in original specification. This is as close as you can get to buying a new one, quite simply.
The UR Quattro (UR meaning ‘original’) took the world by storm when it landed in the early 1980s. Prior to this, the notion of a car with all wheel-drive seemed strange. Audi engineers, however, knew it had potential, especially in the world of motorsport. And they proved it, with win after win after win on the stages. And with each win, the Quattro became that bit more legendary, and that bit more desirable. And rightly so. It was and still is one the motoring world’s most spectacular evolutions, one that shaped rallying as we know it, while also giving performance road cars an entirely new dynamic.
The History & Paperwork
- Will be supplied with full MOT
- Full history file from new
- Original service and owner books
- Set of previous MOT certificates
- Fully photographed restoration process
With 159,500 miles on the clock, this Audi Quattro has lived a life. Happily though, it’s been a life consisting of three owners with a shared fastidious approach to maintenance, and the current owner who has given the car a complete restoration. In reality, the mileage is a moot point, as the car wouldn’t look out of place if you were to take it back through time and slot it into a 1987 Audi dealership. It really is magnificent.
The current owner bought this car with a view to restoring it. But he wanted to start with a good one, not something that had been bodged through life. When this 1987 10v car came up, the impressive history file was enough to see it was deserving of a restoration. Good bones, regularly serviced, unmodified and free from having ever hit anything, it had the kind of good, honest bones you want to base a restoration on.
The car has been stripped down, any rust has been removed (there wasn’t much, some in the lower flanks and some on the A pillars) and replaced with new metal. The body has been seam-sealed and rust-proofed, all the suspension and chassis components have been stripped, cleaned and painted. New fixings have been used, along with new bushes. The engine has been rebuilt, the suspension overhauled and the engine refreshed. Nothing has been missed.
There is that full service history file to come with the car, and there is also full photographed documentation of the complete process from ‘as bought’ to how you see the car now.
The Interior
- All original interior with the exception of the steering wheel
- Original Blaupunkt radio
- Original front and rear seats in excellent order
- Interior has been preserved rather than replaced
- Some final finish needed, but only small
With the exception of the suede steering wheel, the interior of this UR Quattro is a very nice place to be. From what we can gather, it’s all original and is in excellent condition throughout. The cloth trim is all in good order, with no rips or splitting at the seams, and the seats are still plump and supportive. We would imagine the driver seat has been repaired at some point, given the mileage, but you can’t tell if it indeed has been.
The door cards are largely excellent, too. There are a couple of hairline imperfections on the upper edges, but these are minor. All the door furniture is present, correct and functional. With the doors open, the pillars and sills are all excellent, too.
The dash is in exceptional condition, with no cracking or damage to observe. The captivating digital dash binnacle has been refurbished, and is bright, clear and accurate. The dash itself is excellent and original, down to the differential controls and even the Blaupunkt tape deck, though there has been some bleed on the LDC of the latter.
There are some small areas needing improvement, such as the bonding of the covers on the C pillars, and some headline fixings. But that’s all. On the whole though, this Quattro’s interior is as inviting today as it was in ‘87.
The Exterior
- Full repaint, inside and out
- Refurbished original alloy wheels
- ‘Four circle’ decals included, but not fitted
- Original spoiler, vents and covers
- Flawless body work and perfect panel gaps
As you can see by poring over the pictures, this Audi is nothing short of stunning. The shell was pretty darn solid when the current owner acquired it, but as is the way with ‘80s metal, some repair was needed. Mostly to the sills and upper A pillars. This has been done to an expert level, and there is photographic evidence to back it all up. The shell was then sealed, primed and painted and that’s how you see it now. The car hasn’t really been used since the restoration was finished, and as such, is immaculate. Look up into the arches and you’re greeted by gleaming red paint. The same can be said for the underside of the car, which apart from the odd sport of dirt from a short road test, is better than new.
The panel gaps are excellent, the unforgiving, brutal design of this car would make a spectacle of any imperfections or poor repairs. As such, we’re pleased to report that the body here is arrow straight. It’s clear a great many hours have been spent getting this car’s aesthetic just right.
All the lights are in good order, as are all the bumpers, fittings, skirts and grilles. The seller also has a set of ‘four ring’ decals to go with the car, should you wish to fit them. The wheels have been refurbished and painted gloss white, and are shod in new rubber. And finally, the glass is all original, and free from any damage or defect.
The Mechanics
- Engine has been completely rebuilt
- New clutch
- New suspension, bushes and links
- Stainless steel exhaust
- Detailed engine bay
- Fuel metering head professionally refurbished
- Overhauled turbo
The engine of this Audi is nothing short of exceptional. On startup there isn’t a hint of untoward noise, not a rattle, bump or creak in fact. It sounds tight and incredibly smooth. Every growl it makes is clean and rounded, there is nothing harsh to be heard. It’s remarkable. And again, it serves to remind you that the mileage is moot. This Audi is closer to being ‘as new’ than it is 159k.
The engine has been completely rebuilt, including a specialist rebuilt of the fuel metering head and fuel injection system. The turbo has been overhauled, the cylinder head, the block, it’s all been done. And all to original specifications with the welcome exception of some more modern braided fuel lines. The cooling system is new, the intercooler has been refurbished, the list goes on. The transmission has been checked and serviced, along with the differential and other driveline components.
The suspension is all new, the bushes (with many being upgraded to Powerflex) too. The brakes are new from front to back including all hoses and fittings. The stainless steel exhaust is new, too. Look at the pictures of this car’s underside and you’ll see that nothing, not one nut nor bolt, has been missed in the pursuit of the perfect restoration. There can only be a few URs out there as good as this. That is, if this isn’t the best itself. It could well be. It’s that good.
The car hasn’t been used since the restoration was completed, and as such, is still running in. So if you are the lucky winning bidder, don’t thrash it right away! On the road though, the UR is fast, make no mistake, but also compliant, comfy, surefooted and laden with driver feedback. It’s like driving a new one, because in many ways, it sort of is.
Summary
This UR Quattro is a glowing example of an automotive icon. Pop a Human League tape in the Blaupunkt and you’ll be convinced you’re back in 1987, this restoration is that good. Plus, you’ll legitimately be able to bellow, in a thick Mancunian accent, “FIRE UP THE QUATTRO!”
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
