Lot 501: 1984 Audi Quattro Coupé

One of the most influential designs of recent decades, the Audi Quattro brought four-wheel drive into the motoring mainstream. Introduced in 1980, the Quattro was based on the outwardly similar Coupé’s bodyshell, but used a different floorpan to accommodate its four-wheel-drive transmission and independent rear suspension. The engine was a development of the five-cylinder, 2.1-litre unit first seen in the 200 saloon, equipped with a KKK turbocharger and producing 200bhp in road trim, considerably more being available in competition tune. As a rally car the Quattro excelled, winning the Manufacturers’ Championship for Audi in 1982 and 1984 and the Driver’s Championship in 1983 and ’84, but its enduring legacy would be the demonstration of four-wheel drive’s advantages for passenger cars. This Quattro has spent its entire life on the Channel Islands having been supplied new via VW-Audi agent St Brelade’s Garage, Jersey (later Five Oaks Garage). Maintenance/servicing has predominately been undertaken by them and only in later years have specialists looked after the car. This example has never suffered any other accident damage, unlike so many other Quattros, and indeed, the owners have been true enthusiasts. Recent work has included a major service and the fitting of new tyres and a handmade stainless-steel exhaust system. The MoT is for nearly 12 months and there is a comprehensive and detailed history file. All taxes have been paid and the car should be UK-mainland registered by time of sale. An exceptionally original example of an all-time classic.