Words: Gentleman's Journal
The Audi quattro was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 1980. It quickly became the talk of the show with its bold styling and technical sophistication, wowing the crowds. The name came from the Italian word ‘quattro’, meaning four, however it also referred to the four wheel-drive-system that Audi created to take advantage of the newly changed rules, that allowed four-wheel drive in rally racing. It became one of the most successful rally cars of all time, winning race after race for the next two years.
The road version was an instant hit with its beautiful styling, which included its iconic flared wheel arches. The two-door coupé engine was a 2.1 litre, 5 cylinder, 10 valve rocket with a turbo charger and intercooler. Motor magazine revealed at the time, that at full throttle in fifth gear a quattro was slower from 20 to 60 mph than a 900cc VW Polo, but from 60 to 100mph it was quicker than a Porsche 911SC.
Today you can pick one of these modern classics up for as little as £6,000, however for one in tip top condition, some cars can fetch up to £20,000. It is important to remember though that these cars are now classics and if well looked after they will always retain their value. This car is a true classic, that will still turn heads today as it did in the eighties.
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