Highlights

Very early RHD model
Thought to be the Earl’s Court press model and believed to be a pre-production car
First registered in October 1982
VIN: 85CA901329 – between the two other “pre-production” models known to exist
2.2-litre, 5-cylinder turbo
Quattro all-wheel drive system
Early analogue dashboard

The Appeal

Helmed to WRC victory by both Mikkola and Blomqvist in 1983 and 1984 respectively, Audi’s Ur-Quattro has gone down in legend as the vehicle that made four-wheel drive an icon of performance, not just something for farm vehicles.

Needless to say, they are becoming very rare these days, and interesting or well restored examples fetch big money and often disappear into private collections. Which is where this exceptionally unusual car comes in.

Registered in October 1982, a full two months after it was produced, and with a VIN number (85CA901329) sitting between the two other known surviving “pre-production” models, this could well be the most special RHD Ur-Quattro of them all. We are led to believe that this may well be the Earl’s Court press car. If so, this would be one of the most collectable Audis we’ve ever seen.

As a “barn find” car, it is in need of restorative work cosmetically, although it appears to be remarkably complete and solid, inside and out. A mechanical recommissioning would likely also be in order. But then you would be in possession of one of the finest Ur-Quattros in existence. And that has to be worth it…

The History and Paperwork

First registered in October 1982
128,245 miles on the clock
13 owners from new
“Barn find” vehicle
Current owner since August 2021
Believed to be an early “pre-production” model
Possibly the Earl’s Court press car
Early VIN (85CA901329)

The Interior

Black leather interior
Heated driver’s seat
Kenwood CD/radio system with Clarion speakers
Electric windows and door mirrors

This car comes with a brand new retrimmed interior with the original factory specification two tone velour. The current leather interior from a later quattro remains with the car. The original, fabric-trimmed, striped design door cards and rear side panels are included with the car and look to be in decent condition, if in need of some renovation.

The leather of the seats and door cards all look to be in fine fettle, with the door cards and rear side panels appearing to be in particularly good order. We couldn’t see any notable damage or tearing to the seat leather either, although obviously it is showing evidence of use, some creasing and a little more wear to the driver’s seat.

The leather is complemented with black carpeting through the cabin and boot space, which all looks to be in reasonable condition for the age and mileage, but is showing some wear.

All of the internal switchgear and trim seems to be present and correct, with all buttons and switches accounted for. They present in a good state too, with some natural patina and wear from age and use, but all definitely looking to be very serviceable.

The large boot space holds a jack as well as a spacesaver wheel.

The Exterior

Smart silver paintwork with Quattro graphics
Foam rubber boot spoiler
Period correct 15-inch alloy wheels

Shimmering in its handsome silver paintwork, this Quattro is a great looking machine. Appearing to be original, obviously the paintwork is a little tired in places with some chips and blemishes, but generally it’s in surprisingly good order.

The bodywork looks very straight and neat. Panels gaps appear to be consistent and all the swage lines and panels edges – including those iconic box arches – are crisp and clean. We note a handful of dings and marks, and a few small areas where blistering has broken through the paint – to the wings, sills and arches for instance. However, the bodywork appears to be fundamentally sound and in good order.

As far as we can tell, all the trim and badging appears to be present and correct, with some wear and tear as you’d expect, but generally sound and perfectly usable.

Looking beneath the car, it looks a lot more solid and straight than we could expect. For the most part, it looks to be straight and undamaged, although we see that the usual drivetrain and suspension corrosion is there and will require addressing by the next owner.

Wheels are the period correct multi-spoke items, 15-inch diameter and in pretty good shape considering how long the car has gone unused. A light refurbishment should soon bring them back to their best.

The Mechanics

2,226cc, five-cylinder turbocharged engine
Five-speed manual transmission
All-wheel drive Quattro system
Centre and rear locking differentials
Power steering
Vented brake discs all round

That iconic Quattro system, designed by Jörg Bensinger’s team, is a fantastic piece of engineering and really is the heart of the machine. It’s the combination of that sonorous five-cylinder turbo and all-wheel drive grip that enabled the car to show a clean pair of heels to many a contemporary supercar.

From the factory the figures were impressive: 200bhp, 211lb-ft, 0-60mph in seven seconds flat and a 135mph top speed. Superb numbers for the time and still more than enough to have an awful lot of fun down your favourite B-road.

It wasn’t all about raw grunt either, the Ur-Quattro benefits from independent suspension all round as well as vented discs and a robust five-speed transmission. So it’s engaging to drive as well as exhilarating.

As a “barn find’, it should be expected that some mechanical recommissioning and restoration will be required to bring this car back to its best. But when completed, what a machine you’ll be in possession of…

Summary

Already a rare and collectable vehicle, this very early Ur-Quattro ticks every box if you’re after a project this year. With some restoration work, this would soon be one of the most desirable and sought after 80s performance cars in the country…

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.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.