Words: Rory FH Smith
The Audi Quattro – an icon of 1980s and 1990s rallying – was revealed to the public at the Geneva motor show in March 1980. Its purposeful, boxy styling was penned by car designer Martin Smith and largely based on the Audi 80 that went before it.
The launch car came equipped with a 2.1-litre, 5-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 197bhp, which propelled the Quattro from 0-62mph in 7.1seconds and a top speed of 137mph. Later models, after 1989 received an uprated 2.2-litre engine, which produced 217bhp and a top speed of 143mph.
But the Audi Quattro wasn’t just about speed. The Quattro – meaning ‘four’ in Italian – was one of the first permanent four-wheel drive coupes, which created a more stable and agile machine destined for the rally stage. After its launch in 1980, the Quattro dominated the rallying scene for the next two years, taking advantage of the change in rally rules, which now allowed the use of all-wheel drive cars. The Quattro became a regular name in the ferocious ‘Group B’ rallying that was later banned after a number of deaths.
Those familiar with Audi’s current lineup will know that the Quattro badge still lives on, applied to the marques all-wheel drive variants, ranging from small family hatchbacks to the flagship R8 supercar.
This example, a late Quattro with the 2.2-litre ‘RR’ engine was supplied new to the UK on April 25 1990. The owner, Mr M.Chappell had specified heated seats, central locking, ABS, electric windows and ‘Quattro’ design interior – not quite so revolutionary now but in 1990, these were nifty options to have. Having covered only 16,200miles from new, this particular Quattro still bears its original factory engine stickers with no signs of modification along the way.
Guide price: £60,000 – £70,000
This Audi Quattro will be offered at auction by Silverstone Auctions at the Salon Privé Sale on September 3 2016. Click here for more details.
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