Some cars create barely a ripple on the automotive pond when released, facing the world wrapped in a cloak of mediocrity. Others cause a sensation courtesy of achingly beautiful styling, ground-breaking engineering and performance, or a combination of both. Audi demonstrated what was possible when a manufacturer combined forced-induction and all-wheel drive technology when it unveiled the Quattro in 1980. Our feature car is believed to be 1-of-9 imported into Canada in 1984 and is a largely unmolested survivor. Its next journey could be to a new home, with the seller listing the Quattro here on Facebook Marketplace in Seattle, Washington. You could drive it home once you’ve handed over $65,000.

The seller claims that this 1984 Quattro was imported for the Canadian market, and the metric speedometer suggests it isn’t a US model. They claim that only nine of these Audi’s hit Canadian shores in 1984, although some sources place the figure as high as seventeen. Regardless of the truth, it is a relatively rare vehicle. The original owner ordered it in Oceanic Blue, with the seller confirming the car underwent a restoration in 2019. They admit it included rust repairs but don’t elaborate on where the rust was situated. An in-person inspection is justified because if there are any hidden nasty surprises, addressing them could be expensive. They swapped the North American bumpers for less cumbersome Euro-spec items, adding updated head and taillights. However, the removed items are included for those wishing to recapture a more stock appearance. The paint shines nicely, and any flaws or defects are too minor to warrant mention. The panels are straight, with gaps that are as tight and consistent as buyers expect from Audi. The trim is in good order, and there are no glass issues.

Audi combined practicality and luxury inside the 1984 Quattro, cladding its body-hugging seats in supple leather. The same material was used on the wheel, with the remaining upholstered surfaces featuring cloth and vinyl. The interior is unmolested, with no aftermarket additions or modifications. The overall presentation is what is expected from a survivor of this vintage. The seats exhibit minor wear and marks, but I believe a leather specialist may be able to return them to something resembling their factory appearance. The carpet is nice, and there are no signs of abuse or neglect. Factory luxury touches include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, heated seats, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.

Audi was not the first manufacturer to adopt all-wheel drive technology, with the AMC Eagle a notable example. However, the company combined AWD with an engine boosted by fuel injection and a turbocharger to create a car with ground-breaking performance. Emission regulations saw the Quattro detuned for the North American market, although the 2.1-liter five-cylinder engine still produces 160hp and 181 ft/lbs of torque. The ponies feed to the road via a five-speed manual transmission, allowing the Audi to cover the ¼-mile in 15.9 seconds, while the needle will eventually hover at 129mph. Potential buyers unconcerned by originality could make the changes required to bring the engine in line with European specs. This would boost power and torque to 197hp and 210 ft/lbs, slashing the ET to 14.8 seconds and raising the top speed to 138mph. The process is relatively straightforward and can easily be reversed. The figures tell only part of the story because the Quattro comes to life when the road surface is loose or slippery. The advanced AWD system feeds the power to the wheels effectively, providing acceleration that few cars could match during this era. Audi’s success in the World Rally Championship is a measure of the system’s effectiveness. The Quattro scored driver’s or constructor’s crowns in 1982, 1983, and 1984. The seller confirms the Audi’s engine received a new timing belt in 2018, and the booster was rebuilt in 2014. The car is in excellent mechanical health and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

This 1984 Audi Quattro won’t appeal to everyone, but such is the case with any classic. Those raised on a diet of effortless V8 motoring will probably give it a wide berth, although they need to sample a Quattro (or any high-performance AWD) before dismissing them out of hand. They provide astounding performance, especially in slippery conditions. This one looks like a gem, raising the question of why it has been on the market for almost a year. The price seems competitive, and there are no glaring faults or problems. The seller appears willing to negotiate on their figure, and submitting a respectable offer could be a wise strategy. You never know, but today could be your lucky day.