Lot 005: 1984 AUDI QUATTRO

Introduced at the March 1980 Geneva Motor Show, the Audi Quattro Turbo was destined to revolutionise the faces of both international rallying and high-speed motoring. Based around a two-door monocoque bodyshell equipped with all-round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and rack and pinion steering, its permanent all-wheel drive system was famously derived from that of the VW Iltis utility vehicle. Powered by a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, the model's speed, poise and agility netted Audi two drivers' (1982, 1984) and two constructors' titles (1983, 1984) in the World Rally Championship. Progressively enhanced during an eleven-year production life, the Quattro Turbo merited its own dedicated production line in Hall N2 of Audi's Ingolstadt plant (each hand-built car undergoing a gruelling multi-point inspection before being signed off). Phased in during October 1982, the first right-hand drive cars boasted a 'WR' code DOHC 2144cc powerplant that developed some 200bhp and 210lbft of torque. Sporting single lens Cibie headlamps, they were reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7.3 seconds and 137mph. Finished in black with brown cloth upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, five-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Reportedly with its last owner for sixteen years, 'A100 VHS' is believed but not warranted to have covered some 140,000 miles from new (though, just 94,000 of these are shown on its replacement digital dashboard). Sporting a stainless steel exhaust and alloy wheels, this comparatively early right-hand drive Quattro is offered for sale with "lots of history including bills" and MOT certificate valid until March 2008.