A 1983 Audi Quattro was recently unearthed from a barn in Arizona, where it lay hidden since the year 2000. This remarkable discovery came about during a real estate auction, revealing a vehicle that has significantly influenced automotive history. The Audi Quattro, renowned for pioneering the combination of turbocharged engines with all-wheel drive (AWD) in production cars, made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 1980. This model, also known as the Ur-Quattro, boasts a 2.1-liter inline-five cylinder turbocharged engine producing 197 bhp, coupled with a manual transmission and an advanced AWD system.
The Quattro's legacy in motorsports is unparalleled, revolutionizing the World Rally Championship (WRC) with its superior traction and performance, leading to numerous victories and championship wins in 1982 and 1984. Its impact extended beyond the racetrack, popularizing AWD technology and influencing automotive design across the industry.
This barn find Audi Quattro, a gem from the past, now faces the prospect of a full restoration to bring it back to its former glory. The car, having been sheltered for 24 years, retains its original charm but requires significant work, including a comprehensive drivetrain rebuild. The current owner, who stumbled upon this treasure, now holds an abandoned title issued by the Arizona MVD in 2023.
This rare discovery highlights the enduring appeal of the Audi Quattro, a car that forever changed the landscape of automotive design and motorsport prowess. This example sold Wednesday on eBay for $35k.