1984 Audi Quattro

The four-ring logo represents each of the companies that made up Auto Union (Audi, Horch, DKW and Wanderer). In 1977 Audi began to develop a secret vehicle with a 4-wheel drive system based on the existing Audi 80 body shell. The trusted 5-cylinder 2.1 engine was fitted with a turbo charger and inter-cooler, boosting its power from 136 to 197 bhp at 3500rpm, performing a 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds and 137mph top speed.

Rally dominance

Audi Quattro’s dominated rally sport in the 1980s, winning a total of eight world rallies. The Quattro’s debut changed rallying forever. The All-Wheel Drive proved to be not only efficient with grip and speed but also with its reliable braking system, making it a must-have within motorsport, inspiring modern AWD systems. While the car was dominating, it was not without its flaws. It is a heavy vehicle with a nose-heavy front that suffered from transmission failures. Nonetheless, the Quattro’s image became iconic, turning into a symbol to all future Quattro’s as a badge of precision engineering. It was simply the car to own in the ‘80s, with this particular Quattro being bought brand new by Nigel Mansell, F1 World Champion, for his daily use. A red 1983 Quattro is driven by DCI Gene Hunt (played by Philip Glenister) in the television drama, Ashes to Ashes, aired on TV from 2008 to 2010.

In Aberdeenshire, Audi Quattro’s were primarily sold by John Clark Specialist Cars of Aberdeen, prompting Grampian Police to buy the adjacent Rover Vitesse to curb speeding on the new Stonehaven bypass in 1985. By 1989 the Quattro’s engine was modified to 2.2 litres with 20 valves and Double Overhead Camshaft, giving a 217bhp and a staggering 143mph. 11,452 Quattro’s were manufactured in the eleven-year production run (1980-1991) during which the visual design of the vehicle was preserved.