Among 1980s collector cars, one of the more elusive models to find is the Audi Quattro Coupe. Manufactured in extremely limited quantities, these all-wheel drive, turbocharged coupes were offered a homage to the company’s giant-killer Quattro rally cars, and while the front-drivers with their naturally aspirated five-cylinder engines aren’t hard to find, Quattro-equipped models like this one here on eBay are far harder to track down. This example is said to be one of just 65 cars imported in 1984, and you can bet a few of those have been wrecked and deleted from registry records. Bidding for this car is just over $25,000 with the reserve unmet.
Now, Hagerty notes that Concours examples can trend near $90,000 for a valuation, and cars in lower condition grades are still valued at close to $40,000. In the case of this Quattro, it has a lot going for it, namely a sharp color combo of Graphite Metallic Black over a chocolate brown leather interior. The interior itself is a bit haggard, with the driver’s seat exhibiting plenty of signs of wear and tear. The carpets are fair, and the other seats are definitely in better shape. The seller notes the interior is equipped with the optional Audi Sport three-spoke steering wheel, and behind it is the factory odometer showing just under 90,000 miles.
So much of the styling is shared with the base model GT coupe that you’d be forgiven for conflating the two. Those cars weren’t produced in vast numbers, either, but they’re still easier to track down than the elusive Quattro. The seller notes this car has been repainted, and while it’s not immediately clear from the photos whether it’s a high-quality respray or a ten-footer, it’s curious that the original “Audi” graphic on the hatch lid is faded but the Audi logo featuring the four rings on the lower portion of the doors looks brand new. Typically, in a respray situation, all of those decals would have been removed and replaced. But given the Audi symbol is a few inches too far to the right, perhaps it was replaced.
So, definitely some small details that aren’t quite right. The Quattro Coupes featured driver-selectable locking center and rear differentials, and while there’s no reason to believe there are issues with the diffs, the seller also doesn’t say boo about their condition or any recent servicing, to the diffs or otherwise. Given this is a high-performance, limited production car, the value lies in its ability to perform as intended – so not seeing service records is alarming, along with the mention in the listing that the car is not regularly driven. Still, they come up so rarely for sale, it’s also a case of beggars not able to be choosers. Would you take a chance on this Quattro Coupe if the reserve is below $30K?
Back at the start of my automotive career I worked on a 84 Turbo Quattro Coupe. It was a family practitioners daily driver. Well over 100K on it. This was back the late 80’s and I remember how much the rear exhaust section cost and the fact that we got the only one in the county. He used to go through turbos every 15-30K because he refused to let the car idle down. First generation Audi turbos were oil cooled only and the engine compartment was packed in these. Back then I used to drool over working and driving his car. Back in the day these were so cool compared to other 80’s offerings. I owned a 82 Coupe with the same leather interior. Tried to make it faster by fitting it with a 86 engine, hot cam and euro exhaust manifold. Good looking car even today.
Was that in Yakima? If so you’ve blown your cover haha.
Not sure why the photo inverted or how to correct once posted.
Was thinking this was a picture from ANZ…
(got it, alphasud!)
Those bumpers are rank rotten! Stick euro ones on it as soon as you buy it.
My dad had a black 2WD 2.2, which was lovely. Dark dash, yellow tinted strip at the top of the screen. It shifted too, and sounded like the rally cars – barring the lack of a turbo.
I had a few Audi 5 cylinders back in the day. Love the way that 5 sounded. Also had a mint condition 2wd coupe like this with an auto trans. Maybe paid $1,000 at most for it. No one wanted an older Audi like that back then. Who knew
In ’84, our former auto shop teacher Bob Hagin was writing an auto column for the local paper. His subject was classic muscle cars when an ’84 Quattro came in for a future write-up. My friend took his built ’69 Camaro (approx 450hp) to Bob at the paper for the muscle car article, and Bob quickly tossed him the keys to the Audi. After a jaunt through the east-bay hills, my friends only response was “HOLY SH#T”!!
Ah yes !! Would love to turn this thing into a wannabe Group B car for the street ! What a fun project, assuming one has enough disposable income of course.
Item location:
Saddle Brook, New Jersey
Never drove a Quattro but often drove an ’86 Coupe GT when I worked in a Porsche-Audi store … not in Porsche league but was a great car on its own … now the Audi 5000CS Turbo Quattro, that’s another matter … one of the greatest road cars I’ve ever driven …
Ended:
May 12, 2021 , 3:44PM
Current bid:
US $27,200.00
[ 61 bids ]
Reserve not met