Lot details
Registration No: SWO137Y
Chassis No: 85DA901745
Mot Expiry: Oct 2007

Introduced at the March 1980 Geneva Motor Show, the Audi Quattro Turbo was destined to revolutionise the faces of both international rallying and high-speed motoring. Based around a two-door monocoque bodyshell equipped with all-round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and rack and pinion steering, its permanent all-wheel drive system was famously derived from that of the VW Iltis utility vehicle. Powered by a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, the model's speed, poise and agility netted Audi two drivers' (1982, 1984) and two constructors' titles (1983, 1984) in the World Rally Championship. Progressively enhanced during an eleven-year production life, the Quattro Turbo merited its own dedicated production line in Hall N2 of Audi's Ingolstadt plant (each hand-built car undergoing a gruelling multi-point inspection before being signed off). Phased in during October 1982, the first right-hand drive cars boasted a 'WR' code DOHC 2144cc powerplant that developed some 200bhp and 210lbft of torque. Sporting single lens Cibie headlamps, they were reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7.3 seconds and 137mph.
Finished in a distinctive rally-style livery of silver overlaid with black, red, yellow and white stripes (the colours of the West German flag), this particular right-hand drive example is variously described by the vendor as being in "all working" (electrical equipment, five-speed manual transmission), "very good" (interior trim, chassis), "excellent" (engine, bodywork, wheels / tyres) or "superb" (paintwork) condition. Reportedly "the subject of expenditure in excess of £10,000 by the previous owner" (with the respray alone accounting for some £3,000 plus), 'SWO 137Y' is believed but not warranted to have covered 121,450 miles from new. Benefiting from brown leather upholstery and analogue instrumentation, this "superb" early RHD Quattro is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until October 2007.