words: Bill, photos: Chris S. via Bring A Trailer
Chris isn’t unfamiliar with restoring and older Audi. We had another one of his as a Find of the Day last year. I said this about his S2/RS2 Coupe quattro clone: First of all, I have to say this is how you do an ad for a car. Lots of details, lots of clear photos that are actually in focus. Well, he doesn’t disappoint with this BAT ad. Here it is:
This 1983 Audi Quattro was purchased by the seller in 2017, and it was subsequently refurbished and modified. A turbocharged 2.2-liter 20V AAN inline-five was installed and mated to a six-speed manual transaxle, and additional modifications include B3 Coupe Quattro-sourced drivetrain components, upgraded braking components, KW V1 coilover suspension, an RS2-specification exhaust manifold with a custom K24 turbocharger, 17″ Avant Garde wheels, Recaro Trophy front seats, and more as detailed below. Work done in preparation for the sale included fluid changes, replacement of the spark plugs, an alignment, and dyno-tuning the engine. This Ur-Quattro is now offered with build photos and summary sheets, a Carfax report, and a California title in the seller’s name.
The body is refinished in silver with gray side graphics and features a sunroof, Hella projector headlights, tucked bumpers, and a raised rear spoiler. The Carfax report shows that the vehicle was declared a total loss by an insurance company following collision damage to the hood, center core support, grille, and bumper in November 2012. Photos from the accident are included in the gallery below, and the seller notes that the windshield and weather seals were replaced during the refurbishment.
The suspension features front and rear subframes, control arms, and sway bars sourced from a 1991 Audi Coupe Quattro, and KW V1 coilovers are fitted all around along with Avant Garde 17″ wheels wearing 235/40 Federal tires. Braking is handled by Porsche 911 Carrera S-sourced calipers matched with A8 discs up front and S8-specification calipers with B5 S4-sourced discs at the rear.
The interior features Recaro Trophy front bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in matching black upholstery and gray fabric inserts. A dashboard and center console sourced from and Audi 4000 Quattro has been fitted, and further updates included a leather-clad shifter knob, a B3-specification Nardi steering wheel, replacement padding fitted under the reconditioned carpet, and the installation of later-style powered mirrors, the latter of which are disconnected.
Instrumentation includes a 155-mph speedometer and a tachometer with a 6,500-rpm redline, and additional gauges monitoring boost pressure, oil pressure, and coolant temperature were added in place of stereo. Per the seller, the cluster was removed and replaced with a digital dashboard during prior ownership and subsequently reinstalled by the seller. It now shows 159k miles, with true mileage unknown.
The 20-valve 2.2-liter AAN inline-five was sourced from a 1995 Audi S6 during the build, and a replacement timing belt, tensioner and ignition coils were fitted at that time. Work performed in preparation for the sale included fluid services, replacement of the spark plugs, an alignment, and dyno-tuning the engine. Modifications include:
- 7A-specification camshafts, valve cover, and baffled oil pan
- Walbro fuel pump with adjustable fuel pressure regulator
- AN6 fuel lines
- Bosch 42lb fuel injectors
- V-belt conversion
- VEMS engine management system
- Wagner forward-facing intake manifold
- Audi RS2 exhaust manifold
- Custom 3″ downpipe
- 3″ stainless-steel exhaust system with MagnaFlow muffler
- Rebuilt Volvo K24 turbocharger with machined Audi exhaust housing
- Upgraded wastegate spring (raising peak boost to 1.9 BAR)
- Forged diverter valve
- Modified C&R Racing intercooler
- Aluminum 74mm radiator with RS2-style fan shroud
A SPEC Stage 3 clutch kit was also installed along with a 7A-specification flywheel, and shifting is through an 01E six-speed manual transaxle. Photos in the gallery show the underside and mechanical components, and are accompanied by additional photos on the seller’s Flickr page.
The Carfax report shows the aforementioned damage report in 2012 as well as registration history in Illinois and California through its most recent entry in September 2020. A potential odometer rollback is listed in 2012, and the vehicle was also declared a total loss by an insurance company in 2012. A salvage title was issued by the state of California in 2013 and is shown in the gallery below.
As you can tell, this Quattro has been extensively restored and modified. While the purist may have a problem with the modifications, the enthusiast will be happy that they are looking at a turnkey example of the beloved 80’s Quattro and the price reflects that. At the time of publishing, there are only 2 hours left for bidding and the current bid is $44,444…kinda poetic. That price will make current Quattro owners happy while it may make bidders a little shocked on how high these are going for. Happy bidding and like I said, less than 2 hours left. You may find to on Bring A Trailer HERE.
