For enthusiasts of a certain stripe, old-school Audis are among the more tantalizing project vehicles out there. Real-deal rally pedigree, an intoxicating 5-cylinder engine growl, Quattro all-wheel drive, and the prominent use of manual transmissions and turbocharged engines make them very interesting to European car fans. That’s why it’s a shame that this 1989 Audi 200 Quattro has been parked for a decade (or more) and is listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $2,200 as what is likely a parts car or incredibly ambitious restoration attempt.
This Audi is located in Wappingers Falls, NY which is not far from where I grew up. Whenever a vehicle is located in or near one’s hometown, I always wonder if I passed it when it was still road-going, or perhaps knew a previous owner. As you can see in the interior, this poor Audi has been exposed to the elements for some time, with what looks like pond scum growing on the front sport seats. An aftermarket steering wheel suggests this was someone’s project car at one time, but as many of us who have owned old Audis know, it only takes one obsolete part to fail to cause a car to go into extended hiatus.
One of the more puzzling aspects of Volkswagen’s (which owns Audi) relationship with U.S.-based enthusiasts is its reluctance to provide access to vintage parts and equipment. Audi maintains a vast inventory of parts for its older models (called Audi Tradition) but they will not release the parts to U.S. customers, forcing you to go through ridiculous hoops to get that broken harness or missing trim piece replaced. The 2.2L turbocharged 5-cylinder engine is known for racking big miles without issue, and the odometer photo shows over 250,000 miles on the clock.
In stock form, the Audi produced 165 b.h.p. and 177 lb.-ft. of torque, and as someone who owned a 1995 Audi S6 for a spell, the sound of the turbocharged 5-cylinder is one of the best in the business. The Audi in its current state is a long way from road-going use, and it makes zero sense financially to revive. But given how hard it is to find complete sedans with Quattro and turbocharged engines and a 5-speed, this is a rare bird for sure. But at the current asking price, it’s likely to sit for some time to come.
Raccoon tested, raccoon approved. I wonder if the reluctance to provide access to parts is a way for VW/P/A to limit product liability issues from unintended acceleration actions. Unfortunate as these were great cars, when properly sorted.
And you can never get that smell out of the upholstery and carpet.
At this point, referring to it as a parts car may be too kind.