Find of the Day: The Unused Sport Quattro Engine Audi Built as a Spare

In the world of homologation specials, few cars command the reverence of the Audi Sport quattro. Built in limited numbers so Audi could dominate Group B rallying, the short-wheelbase, turbocharged monster became an icon almost overnight. Values have since climbed into the stratosphere, and original parts are harder to find than the cars themselves. An original unused 2.1L Turbocharged 5-cylinder engine may be the hardest part of all to find. And this one is for sale by Steve Beddor, the son of the national Quattro Club (subsequently renamed the Audi Club of North America).

Back in the 1980s, Frank Beddor, founder of what would become the Audi Club of North America, acquired five Sport quattros. At the time, owning one was bold. Owning five bordered on visionary. But Beddor didn’t stop there. Understanding the complexity and rarity of these cars, he also ordered a spare crate engine directly from Audi AG as insurance.

Engine Details

That engine, serial number KW 046, was intended as a backup plan. A safeguard. A just-in-case. It was never needed. Over 40 years of family ownership and enjoyment, the spare engine remained untouched. Now, with the last of the five Sport quattros sold, the family is releasing its remaining parts inventory including this brand-new, never-installed factory engine.

Finding Sport quattro parts is difficult. Finding a complete engine is nearly impossible. But finding a brand-new, original OEM aluminum-block engine still in crate condition? That’s the stuff of collector folklore. According to the seller, there may not be another brand-new Sport quattro engine available anywhere today, certainly not one retaining the original factory aluminum block.

The engine details are 2.1L, Turbocharged, 5-cylinder in-line, two overhead camshafts, exhaust camshaft driven by toothed belt, four valves per cylinder (intake values 1.10” dia./exhaust valves 1.26” dia.), 25 degree valve angle, one KKK K-27 turbocharger, boost pressure 2.04 bar (absolute), ignition: all-electronic Bosch digital ignition with flywheel timing, idle volume control with servo-actuated bypass, overrun cut-off incorporated in electronic injection system, aluminum cylinder head, aluminum cylinder block with dry liners. 306 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque are the result.

This amazing piece of Audi history is located in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The asking price is $150,000. That is a serious bit of coin, but this is a serious bit of rally history that is likely never to be offered again.

View the Facebook listing here.