1984/5 Audi Sport Quattro Ex Works

Lot details
Registration No: 44 WMN
Chassis No: SQ85EA905108
Mot Expiry: N/A

We are delighted to be offering one of the world's most exciting motor cars - for the 1984 Audi Sport Quattro being auctioned here not only is in possession of really super works driver provenance, being ex-World Champion Hannu Mikkola and Arne Hertz, but is most probably the fastest and street legal way two people can be transported from A to B whether on tarmac or gravel.
This Group B 4-wheel drive rally car is the winner of the 1986 Welsh International and National Breakdown events, which were held over the demanding forest tracks in Wales and North Yorkshire, as well as ascending the sinuous Shelsey Walsh hillclimb course in 29.51 seconds, establishing a new record for closed cars - all these sporting milestones for 44 WMN being achieved with the great Mikkola at the wheel. Heavily featured on video, in marque books, articles and rally reports, as well as featuring in Audi and Hella ads, this has to be the ultimate road-going competition classic to own.
The Sport Quattro is an Evolution of the Audi Quattro which took over the results of world class rallying. The Sport, with the marque's celebrated permanent 4-wheel drive transmission, was one of just 200 Homologation special versions of the volume-produced Quattro coupe produced in 1983 and one of only approximately 20 assigned by the factory for competition work. These supercars were only available in left-hand drive and were equipped with an all new 20-valve alloy block. They can be easily identified by their shortness, the wheelbase being 29cm shorter than the standard Quattro fixed head (similar in fact to arch rival from those Group B car days, the MG Metro 6R4), some seriously steroidal bulging wheelarches, rear wing vents and single square lamps.
Chassis number 108 was initially prepared by the works Competition Department. Producing a mightily impressive 530bhp, the KKK 27 turbocharged, 5-cylinder, 2144cc power unit has been modified from the original 2122cc capacity motor by Leimans of Liechtenstein. Coolers for oil and fuel were situated below the huge rear wing and in the boot, while most of the external add-on panels - front, bonnet, boot and rear spoiler - were of Kevlar composite material for greater lightness and strength. Such original rally prep features have survived as sumpguard, rear transmission protection plate, rear brake guards, cooling ducting for front discs, adjustable turbo-boost control, Halda tripmeter, quick-release rear quarter-lights and rally jack as well as no less than 6 additional spots.
Since its period competition eventing, this Sport Quattro has been in receipt of an extensive, though most sympathetically executed restoration, which included the renewal of inner and outer sills with correct and additional strengtheners spot-welded inside, which was only done to the works cars. Some floor sections were replaced and engine bay and boot area stripped, repainted and detailed. The original bag petrol tank was replaced by Premier Fuel Systems, who, in fact, also made the original, there being a certificate confirming the spec and date of manufacture for same. The engine was last rebuilt in 1999, we are told, since when it has only done some 300 miles at Track Days and demonstrations, the last service only carried out 60 miles ago. The full length exhaust has been fabricated in stainless steel, while spare wheel and brace are present.
Painted silver by Audi UK for awhile to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hans Stuck's storming the Shelsey Walsh hill at the wheel of the fiercesome 5.3-lite V16 Auto Union single seater, the famous Quattro has been correctly repainted in the distinctive Audi Sport livery as driven by Mikkola/Hertz in Wales and Yorkshire. Since this refurbishment, the famous car has been much exhibited at major events such as the NEC and even driven by a second World Champ, Ari Vatanen, for a Group B Group test article in Top Gear magazine.
Current condition of panels and paintwork is said to be excellent, the electrics all work, and engine and transmission are both reportedly in excellent order. The approximately 10,000 kilometres displayed is believed to be the genuine total. In terms of the levels of ride, handling, braking, traction and acceleration that can be enjoyed, this ex-works rally car is most unlikely to be bettered. Being one of only 20 or so short-wheelbase Quattro Sport competition cars, this ultimate Group B is not only extremely rare, but with the benefit of rally winning Mikkola provenance, 44 WMN is also unique.