Find of the Day: 1985 Ur-quattro

[words: Bill Cho, photos: Bring A Trailer]

Ahhhhh…Bring A Trailer. Why must you torment me so? For those not in the know, Bring A Trailer (or BAT) is a website for finding great vintage cars in one spot. Also a website for wasting a lot of time dreaming of vehicles from your dreams.

Take this 1985 Ur-quattro. Said to be one of the 73 imported to the States for the updated 1985 model, it’s finished in Stone Grey Metallic over grey leather and everything looks great.

Ad:

This 1985 Audi Ur-Quattro Coupe is said to be one of 664 US-market examples built during a three-year production run and was acquired by the seller four and half years ago. The car is finished in Stone Grey Metallic over grey leather and features modifications including a short-throw shifter, Euro headlights, and 4-piston front brakes. A turbocharged 2.1L inline-five sends power to all four wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox and three locking differentials. Work completed in 2016 and 2017 involved a rebuilt steering rack and VDO gauges as well as the installation of new clutch hydraulics. Now showing just under 119k miles, this Ur-Quattro is offered with records from its three previous owners, original owner’s literature and accessories, a clean AutoCheck report, and a clear Colorado title.

This example is said to be one of 73 US-market examples imported for the updated 1985 model year. Changes included plastic Quattro badges rather than decals, and Quattro scripts were spelled out in the rear defogger lines. A Kevlar trunk lid reduced weight and featured a body-color spoiler. Fully independent suspension used Macpherson struts, coil springs, and anti-roll bars front and rear. Disc brakes were featured at all four corners, here upgraded with 4-piston front calipers.

This example was previously offered on BaT in January 2016 and is offered once again by the same seller. A 2012 repaint in the original color of Stone Grey Metallic was conducted by the third owner, who also installed European-market headlights and front bumper trim. Optional 15″ Ronal R8 wheels have been powder-coated and wear Kumho Ecsta tires. The seller notes a replacement door was fitted in the early 1990s in order to repair a dent, though no receipts are present. 

Grey leather seats have been partially re-stitched by Autoweave European and Antique Restoration in Denver, Colorado, and the passenger-side seat rails were reportedly replaced with OEM units. Interior refreshments for the 1985 model year included a new-style black dash, here housing an air conditioning system converted to run R134a refrigerant as well as a restored factory cassette player.

Interior equipment is said to function as it should including the AWD controls, vacuum central locking, and power windows. The late knob-style differential lock switch was replaced in 2015. The VDO speedometer was rebuilt with a new odometer gear in 2017 by Foreign Speedo in San Diego, California. Per the seller, the car was driven approximately 100 miles while the unit was inoperable. The odometer now shows just under 119k miles, including approximately 4,200 miles added under current ownership.

The turbocharged 2.1L inline-five featured electronically-controlled fuel injection and output was rated at 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque when new. According to the seller, services in 2012 under previous ownership included rebuilding the turbo and cylinder head as well as replacement of the brakes and water pump. Work performed over the last four years by Modern Specialists in Boulder, Colorado included rebuilding the steering rack and replacing the differential lock switch, a high beam relay, an auxiliary fan switch, and the throttle cable bushings. The alternator and timing belt were last replaced in February 2015 at 117k miles and the most recent service on April 2018 included a mechanical inspection, as well as a routine oil/filter service.

New clutch master and and slave cylinders were also fitted in 2017. Per the seller, the exhaust is fitted with a new old-stock muffler and center section, and a catalytic converter is said to remain in place. Additional photos of the underbody are viewable in the gallery below.

The AutoCheck report shows two previous owners, though the seller believes the true number to be three. The second owner reportedly acquired the car in 1991 with 6k miles and added approximately 95k miles before selling it in 2012.

The car is sold with a full set of manuals and its original dealer-stamped maintenance book along with a factory jack and spare wheel. A large file with service records from the last four owners is also included.

Here’s your chance but you had better hurry…the auctions ends in a couple of days. Bid HERE