Find of the Day: Ex-Promotional, 25K-Mile 1982 Audi quattro on Bring a Trailer

Every Audi quattro is special, but this 1982 example that is now live on Bring a Trailer stands out because of its unique background.

The car is a 1982 quattro finished in Mars Red over Chocolate leather upholstery. Hungry yet? The odometer shows just under 25,000 miles and the condition of the car appears to be excellent. The Audi is original except for a set of 15×8 Ronal wheels that are painted white.

According to the auction listing this quattro is one of four examples that were imported to America by Audi for press use. The press cars were featured in several prominent magazines such as Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Motor Trend. This specific car is also believed to have been used by Goodyear for promotional purposes. The original 15×6 Ronal wheels were refinished with red accents and polished for the Goodyear promotion. These wheels are included in the sale.

The amazing story of this car doesn’t end there. After the car fulfilled its press and promotional duties, Audi of America gave it a fresh coat of Mars Red paint. They then gifted the car to John Buffum—the perfect owner for a quattro.

A true American rally legend, Buffum is an eleven-time U.S. national rally champion and the first American-born driver to score points in FIA competition. He piloted the Audi Sport quattro to victory on multiple occasions and competed alongside icons like Michèle Mouton. His dominance in the 1980s not only solidified his reputation as one of the most successful American rally drivers, but also elevated Audi’s standing in the rally world. Notably, Buffum remains one of the very few Americans to have earned World Rally Championship points—a feat so rare, more Americans have walked on the moon.

Buffum kept the car until 1988, when he sold it to John Smith of Shokan Coachworks with only 1,198 miles on the odometer. Smith enjoyed the car regularly for several years before deciding that a car with this kind of history should be preserved, so he stored it in his warehouse. Now you can be the next caretaker of this amazing piece of Audi history.

The original 160-horsepower 5-cylinder engine is under the hood. The coolant, hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, transmission and differential fluids, oil, and filters were changed in preparation for the sale. However, it is noted that the warm-up regulator requires replacement.

You have a few more days to get your funds in order. Bidding ends Monday, July 28.

View the Bring a Trailer listing here.