1985 Audi UR Quattro

Highlights

• Gorgeous Amazon Blue paintwork
• Rare original and unrestored leather interior
• Five-cylinder turbo engine, developing 200hp
• Quattro all-wheel drive system
• Unmodified, factory specification
• Bodywork recently restored by present owner

Overview

Scrabbling and sliding its way to WRC championship glory in 1983 and 1984 at the hands of Mikkola and Blomqvist respectively, the Ur-Quattro is a rally and fast road legend. It proved beyond doubt that a sonorous five-cylinder engine could be combined with a massive turbo and four-wheel drive to create the ultimate all-road performance machine. Add to that the fantastically bluff period styling, complete with angular spoiler, Quattro graphics and box arches, and you have the quintessential 80s motorsport phenomenon.

Needless to say, these are becoming ever rare and more sought after, with well restored examples commanding serious money. So it is with great pleasure that we present this highly original, unmodified example for auction. From its deeply attractive Amazon Blue over black leather specification to its many original features, we think this is an absolute gem of a classic, with heaps of potential.

Whether you’re in the market for a desirable classic to fully restore for shows, a usable everyday retro legend or simply want to experience the road-going version of a motorsport icon, this lovely coupé makes a superb case for itself.

History and documentation 

• First registered in September 1986
• Current owner since July 2021, nine previous owners
• 134,593 miles on the clock, verified back to 2008 by MOT record
• Less than 1,000 miles covered since 2008
• The car currently does not have an MOT
• We’re told by the vendor that the car comes with a comprehensive record of maintenance work

Interior

• Rare full black leather interior – original and unrestored, with both the front seats and rear bench presenting well
• The black leather upholstery is in good overall condition, with some wear commensurate with the car’s age, but no notable damage or tears that we could see
• Black carpets throughout, with Audi branded overmats, showing some wear and marking but generally in good order
• Electrically operated windows, door mirrors and factory-fitted sunroof
• We adore the period Treser sorts steering wheel, which is in fine fettle
• Sony CD/radio head unit, with JBL rear speakers
• The brilliant green LCD digital dash is working just as it should
• At the rear, the boot is clad in black carpet and includes a spare wheel
• We’re assured by the vendor that everything in the cabin works just as it should with no faults or issues reported

Exterior

• Lovely Amazon Blue paintwork is in very good condition
• The current owner tells us that they have had the bodywork extensively restored during their ownership
• All of the body panels look to be in excellent condition, with crisp lines, neat panel gaps and no obvious corrosion or damage
• We’re informed that there are a couple of minor blemishes in the paintwork that the vendor is having corrected ready for sale
• Contrasting neatly with the paintwork are a couple of neat coachlines running down either flank
• All of the external trim and badging looks to be present and correct, with no obvious damage
• Only the wiper arms are showing their age, and would benefit from a lick of paint
• The period smoked rear lenses and rear centre panel add a wonderful retro touch and display in fine condition
• We note that the car is wearing what appear to be the original dealer plates
• The alloy wheels are the original 15-inch, multi-spoke items and remain in good, unrestored condition
• All four wheels are shod in a matched set of Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres (205/50)

Mechanical

• 2,144cc five-cylinder turbocharged powertrain
• Robust and engaging five-speed manual transmission
• Legendary Jörg Bensinger designed Quattro system, driving all four wheels
• Factory performance figures: 200bhp, 211lb-ft, 0-60mph in seven seconds flat and a 135mph top speed
• Independent suspension all round as well as vented brake discs and a switchable ABS system
• As the car has been SORN since August 2022, a level of mechanical recommissioning should be expected by the new owner
• We’re told by the vendor that the car is in fine mechanical condition, with no issues or problems that they are aware of

Summary

Once a relatively common sight on our roads, the Ur-Quattro is now more exclusive than many hypercars. And that bombastic turbocharged engine offers more than enough grunt for you to have an awful lot of fun.

We think this example offers a splendid opportunity, being presented in a wonderfully original and attractive specification, while also benefitting from significant recent bodywork restoration. With a little recommissioning and detailing, this could soon be the darling of your local Sunday morning meet. Or simply the star of your collection.

In reality, it’s a Ur-Quattro and that’s all you really need to know. Buy it, fire it up, never let it go…

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Sudbury, Norfolk.