Release Your Inner Mikkola: 1983 Audi Ur-Quattro

This Amazon Blue 1983 Audi Ur-Quattro is one of 664 officially imported to the U.S. between 1983 and 1986. This is the car that changed the rallying world forever, and sent a lot of manufacturers, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz, back to their respective drawing boards while taking win after win and setting the stage for cars like the Subaru WRX and the Mitsubishi Evos. Find it here on eBay in Troy, Michigan.

This “Ur” (original) Quattro has a largely stock appearance, wearing its quad headlights and factory flared fenders and body kit. I’m a big fan of the Fuchs alloys which, while they look a little like late 70s-early-80s steel Oldsmobile Rally wheels, are 15 inchers and among the lightest ever offered by Audi. I also love the period lower-body Audi 4-ring decals which absolutely enhance the look of this otherwise straight, clean car.

The seller reports that he has detailed maintenance records going back to 1992 – a definite plus for a handbuilt German rally car! The tan interior looks fairly clean and complete in the pictures, and the seller reports that there are no tears in the stock leather upholstery. The car comes complete with its original toolkit and spare, along with period-accessory blacked-out taillights, although the original units may convey.

The engine compartment is clean and the typically 1980s malaise of factory fuel and vacuum hoses appears intact and factory stock. The 2144cc “WX” 5-cylinder turbocharged motor in U.S. form develops 160hp. The seller indicates that this car has a recent steering rack and timing belt – excellent news for anyone who knows these motors (read: disassembly of the whole bleeding front of the car). It also contains a host of interesting modifications, including G60 calipers and slotted rotors, stainless steel brake lines, urethane bushings, K24 watercooled turbo, aluminum intercooler, and Intended Acceleration chip. The seller also reports that there has been some wiring work done to alleviate electrical maladies, including a starter button. Hopefully the result isn’t a horrific hack job that will take decades to put right. If ever there was a potential victim of terminal Previous Owner Disease..

Overall, if the price is right this car could offer a lot of value as an unusual driver-quality car or weekend hill-climbing warrior that wouldn’t take a lot of effort or expense to bring to a much higher standard.

~Reed