An eye-catching example of the Quattro UR in Audi Sport rally livery
Boasting a sensible original mileage representing under 3,000 miles a year on average
Featuring a pristine and original interior with all the signature Quattro quirks
The Appeal
The original Audi Quattro can truly be considered as one of those rare, genre-defining cars which helped change the automotive landscape decisively and irrevocably. The Quattro’s innovative four-wheel drive configuration was the brainchild of Audi chassis engineer, Jörg Bensinger. Bensinger had been impressed and surprised by the on-road performance offered by a Volkswagen Iltis four-wheel drive utility vehicle he had been testing. Much work was required, however, to produce a system light enough and sophisticated enough to suit a premium sports coupe. The Audi Quattro was finally launched in late 1980.
Our example is a well-known car in Audi Quattro circles. With its eye-catching Audi Sport livery, rally wheels and oversized rear spoiler, it is a car in which to make an entrance. Underneath that, however, is a car with a sensible original mileage, a good mechanical condition and a pristine and completely original interior.
The History and Paperwork
This Quattro was registered in April 1986
The current owner acquired the car from an acquaintance in 2008
Since then, the car has covered only around 6,000 miles
Much of this mileage has been to attend various events with the Quattro club
The current owner is a qualified mechanic and has maintained the car himself
During his tenure this has included replacing the turbo and head work
The car comes with a file of paperwork detailing maintenance expenditure
This covers various periods of the car’s history
The current V5 is on hand in the name of the owner
Numerous previous MOTs in hard copy are also present
The current MOT is valid until June 2023
Two keys are also present together with the original driver’s manual
A number of photographs and Quattro club leaflets are also included
A highly original interior in an excellent, time-warp condition
Featuring an attractive tweed cloth in period appropriate hues of brown
Complete with the cutting edge, for the time, digital instrument cluster
One of the key attributes of the Quattro compared to some of its most obvious competitors, was its eminent practicality. Despite its coupe bodyshell, the Quattro will seat five adults at a push and four in decent comfort. A deep, commodious boot would easily swallow the requisite paraphernalia associated with a weekend away, too.
The interior of our car has seemingly benefitted from the current owner’s use of seat covers in his tenure. The deep side bolsters of the front seats in Quattros of this period often tend to wear and, ultimately, split. Our example exhibits no such issue with both front seats appearing to be in an excellent overall condition.
Front and rear seats are finished in an attractive tweed cloth with hints of orange and blue stripes running through the weave. The seat centres feature a double stitched band of leather to add some contrast and interest to the seat squabs. The Quattro’s headlining is made up of padded and stitched panels in a beige vinyl. No rips, tears or stains are evident here.
The attractive tweed upholstery fabric extends onto the door cards. The deep pile, woollen carpets are in a dark brown hue and seem to be in an equally fine, original condition. Audi branded, heavy duty rubber mats protect the front carpets from damage and wear.
Our Quattro features the advanced and sophisticated, for the period, digital instrument cluster. Whilst this may seem relatively run of the mill by today’s standards its was quite a talking point back in the 1980’s. Another Quattro specific feature is the central diff-lock panel which monitors the activation of the twin, hydraulically operated differentials.
The boot is fully carpeted in the original, hardwearing black carpet and also is home to the space saver spare wheel, jack and tools.
The Exterior
Currently sporting an Audi Sport decal set which could be removed if required
Featuring the signature Quattro flared wings front and rear
Currently fitted with a non-standard rear spoiler and exhaust tailpipe
The originals of both will be included in the sale, however
It is those sublime flared arches that help easily differentiate the Quattro from the humbler Audi Coupe which was also available at the same time. These flare from the waistline of the car resulting in a prominent “lip.” This feature seems less prominent on our example which is likely down to the Audi Sport decals which our owner has applied during his tenure.
Our car also features rally specification, 15-inch Ronal alloy wheels finished in white. These inevitably exhibit some marks and chips, but no significant dents or kerb-rash are noted. The wheels are fitted with a mixed set of 225/50 tyres which appear to retain decent levels of tread.
At the rear the car is currently fitted with an oversized, rally specification boot spoiler. The smaller, original fit item is included and pictured and can easily be re-fitted by the new owner if required. Likewise, the currently, non-standard exhaust tailpipe. It would be relatively straight forward to remove the Audi Sport decals, too, if required.
The underlying paintwork of our Quattro is by no means pristine with a number of scratches and age-related marks in evidence and pictured. From these it is evident that our car is used and enjoyed rather than being a garage queen that never sees the light of day. This provides a new owner with the choice of either keeping the car as it is or returning it to a more standard specification and further improving the external condition of the car.
The Mechanics
Renowned for its 2.1L turbocharged engine and permanent four-wheel drive system
Our car has been regularly maintained by its mechanic owner
The underside of the car presents very well too given the age of the car
The Quattro was really all about its mechanical specification. Whilst not sounding particularly innovative today, the Quattro represented a quantum step forward in the 1980’s. The 2.1L, five cylinder, longitudinally mounted engine was both turbocharged and intercooled. Proven in the white heat of international competition this is a well-regarded unit which was good for 197bhp originally. This combined with a low kerb weight and the traction benefits of all wheel drive gave the Quattro performance easily on par with competitors like the Porsche 928 and the Ferrari 308 GTB.
This power is fed to all four wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. Twin locking differentials are on hand to maximise grip in all conditions. Our car has seemingly benefitted from being in the ownership of a qualified mechanic for the last 15 years. Our owner has been able to keep the car in a fine mechanical condition with no outstanding issues reported.
The under-bonnet presentation is good but retains the prospect of further cosmetic improvement by the new owner if deemed necessary. The underside of the car appears to be generally good with the original underseal seemingly still in place.
Summary
The Quattro UR is not a watershed car by accident. In one fell swoop it turned received engineering wisdom on its head and took the motoring world by storm. That alone is surely enough ensure the Quattro UR will continue to be a shrewd investment as well as a fast and highly engaging way to get around.
Our Quattro is an interesting car and one offering a few appealing options for the new owner. They could decide to keep the car as it is and drive and enjoy it without having to worry too much about where they park it and when the use it. They could, of course, return it to a more standard external condition and attend to some of the scuffs and scratches. In any event the bones of this car remain fine. It boasts an original and pristine interior, sensible mileage and a history of diligent mechanical stewardship. Clearly an exciting ownership opportunity and one not to be missed.
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.*
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