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An ’80s Icon: 1983 Audi UR Quattro

This 1983 Audi Ur-Quattro is a limited production 4WD coupe that today is one of the most collectible Audis you can buy. Essentially a rolling test-bed for the company’s venture into all-wheel drive passenger cars and rally racing, these desirable coupes were sold in the U.S. for just three years with total inventory totaling well under 1,000 units. This example here on eBay does have some rust issues and will need full restoration. Bidding is at $18,300 with no reserve.

Some enthusiasts may give just a cursory glance to this car, thinking its the entirely common front-wheel drive variant. That would be a mistake, as the box flares, turbocharged engine, four-wheel disc brakes, and four-wheel independent suspension are all clues that this Audi coupe was an engineering tour-de-force. The interior of this example looks tidy, despite apparently being off the road for many years.

The turbocharged and intercooled 2.1L five-cylinder makes a glorious noise like only a bonkers 5-cylinder can. The UR Quattro could turn out the run to 60 in a hair over eight seconds, with a top speed of just under 130 mph. Of course, what was truly miraculous was how closely the Audi could mirror those numbers when pounding a wet surface – this was the car that put all-wheel-drive on the world stage.

Mileage is low at almost 43,000, and the seller notes he purchased it from the original owner, who let it fall into project status. The front fenders have rust, but aside from that, the seller notes no serious corrosion. The original radio and steering wheel will also be included with the sale. This is a collector car that has already achieved big numbers at auction, so it’s no surprise to see a project pulling $20K.

Comments

  1. Avatar David

    What a handsome car! Is it a Giugiaro design? The front end just screams of his pen from that era, but I don’t recall him working on Audi stuff.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Carter

      The original Audi Coupe design was Giugiaro. The boxflared version is claimed by Martin Smith, but really just built on the earlier work. The spoiler addition (early Coupes had a flush rubber unit) and revised bumpers and fenders have become equally iconic though.

      Like 1
  2. Avatar SquirrelyGig

    Definitely one of my top 5 cars I truly desire to own someday (among umpteen million others😁). Certainly deserves to be saved & restored. Although, if you asked me, a factory group b clone/similarity would be cool too. The birth of the monster Audi “Group B” rally cars to come.
    There are several sanctioned rally events near where I live. Also, miles of logging roads & one of the worlds premier rally schools less than 4-5 minutes from my house. Yes, I want.

    Like 1
  3. Avatar alphasud Member

    I worked on one of these as a tech in the late 80’s. It’s best to buy one that’s running. Too many issues with this car and will cost a fortune to restore if you can source the rare parts. Plan on a complete fuel system repair.

    Like 2
  4. Avatar Carter

    “…entirely common front-wheel drive variant.”

    Audi sold about 22,350 Audi Coupe/Coupe GTs between 1981 and 1988 in the U.S.. I’m not sure that fits the description above. After all, when was the last time you saw one on the road (I think I know the answer to this question ;-))

    Like 0
    • Avatar Cruzzinn

      Sorry but this not a Audi Coupe GT
      The Coupe GT was front wheel drive only
      The URQ was AWD and turbo charged with wider fenders

      Like 1
  5. Avatar GeorgeL

    Great car but can we finally quit calling them Ur-Quattro? I never heard of them called that back when they were new. Have only heard that term in the last 5 years or so and it’s quite overplayed.

    I know what it means and no other first-gen anything uses the “Ur” prefix. You don’t see first-gen M3s listed as Ur-M3. Or Ur-GTI. Just sayin’.

    Ok, rant over. :)

    Like 1

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