photos: RM Sotheby’s
There are a few things that Audi enthusiasts, well heck…any automotive enthusiast, consider a Holy Grail and this is it. This is a 1984 Audi Sport quattro; one of 214 made and one of only 48 Alpine White. Here’s the ad:
- One of just 214 Sport Quattros constructed
- Believed to be one of the only examples delivered new to Japan
- Exceptionally preserved condition with known history from new
- Displaying just 8,806 kilometers (5,472 miles) at cataloguing time
- Powered by a 2.1-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine
- Presented in white over gray leather with cloth Recaro sport seats
- Accompanied by tools, jack, owner’s manual, import documents, and service invoices
With its all-wheel-drive technology and lightweight composite body panels, the Audi Sport Quattro was well ahead of its time and one of the period’s quickest cars, dominating competition in rally racing spec.
First sold to noted Japanese collector Yoshikuni Okamoto of Kobe, this road-going Sport Quattro is believed to be one of the only examples sold new to Japan. Okamoto is well known for his spectacular collection of sports cars and is understood to have pampered his Sport Quattro from new, accumulating just over 7,000 kilometers (4,345 miles).
Evidence of Okamoto’s dedicated care can be found throughout, from what is believed to be its factory finishes of white over gray leather with cloth Recaro sport seats to its slew of unique, Japanese-specific factory decals. Clearly an enthusiast of automotive technology, Okamoto ordered the installation of a Sony color television system in the dash. Complete with dual rabbit-ear antennas mounted on the rear windshield, Okamoto’s modifications are still in the car and can reportedly be removed with little to no remaining evidence.
The consignor, a former North American Rally Championship driver, has continued the high standard of care during his near decade of ownership. Since his acquisition, the car has been meticulously stored, maintained and run monthly in his climate-controlled facility, which formerly served as his rally team’s headquarters. Adding just over 600 kilometers (373 miles) during his tenure, the consignor entrusted the car to both Anderson Motorsport of Chanhassen, Minnesota and Audi of St. Paul, Minnesota for service and preventative maintenance. A set of tools, jack, owner’s and service manual, radio manual, import documents, former bills of sale, and service invoices accompany the sale.
Rarely offered for public sale in any condition, Audi Sport Quattros are quickly acquired and cloistered away by discerning collectors. Melding an exceptional level of preservation with fascinating provenance, this Sport Quattro is truly remarkable, even among its kind, making it especially desirable to marque enthusiasts and rally-racing devotees.
This pristine example on has 4,345 miles on it and that brown interior looks brand new. This Sport quattro will be offered at the RM Sotheby’s Phoenix AZ auction to be held on January 25, 2024. Maybe one of our lucky Audi Club Arizona members will pick it up. This 1984 Audi Sport quattro is estimated to go for between $500,000 and $750,000 and you can find it HERE.
