Lot 501: 1985 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 was purchased by the current owner in January 2003 from the well known marque specialists A M Cars and since then has been used both as his daily driver and for a series of trips across Europe, performing faultlessly. We are advised that the car has been maintained by another recognised marque specialist, benefiting from much refurbishment including the fitting of a new radiator and work to the turbocharger. In 2006 the Quattro was placed in storage, while the vendor devoted himself to his other cars, and has only recently been re-commissioned. Described by the private vendor as in good useable condition, this all-time classic is offered with MoT to May 2009 and Swansea V5C registration document. Very much an emerging classic.