Group B Rally Car Auction Alert: 1984/85 Audi Sport Quattro S1

Group B Rally Car AUCTION ALERT!!!  Car enthusiasts and motorsport fans are in for a treat at the upcoming Bonhams auction held during the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 14th July 2023. One of the highlights of the event will be the highly sought-after 1984/85 Audi Sport Quattro S1 Group B Rally Car, a legendary vehicle that left an indelible mark on the world of rallying. With its impressive racing history and extensive restoration, this exceptional automobile is expected to attract a lot of attention from collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The Audi Quattro, introduced in 1980, revolutionized the automotive industry by bringing four-wheel drive into the mainstream. Developed with the goal of dominating international Group B rallying, the Quattro showcased the advantages of four-wheel drive for passenger cars. Its remarkable success in motorsport, including winning the Manufacturer’s Championship in 1982 and 1984, cemented its place in racing history.

The Sport Quattro ‘homologation special’ was a more focused rally car derived from the original Quattro. Engineers focused on weight reduction, incorporating a turbocharged alloy-block engine with a 2,133cc displacement and a 20-valve cylinder head. In road trim, it produced over 300 horsepower, propelling the car to a top speed of 160mph and achieving a 0-60mph time of only 4.8 seconds. With only 214 units built, including 20 used by the Motorsport Department, the Sport Quattro remains a highly coveted collector’s item.

The 1984 Audi Sport Quattro being offered at the Bonhams auction is one of the 20 works cars retained by Audi’s Motorsport Department. Originally driven by former World Rally Champion Hannu Mikkola, this particular car secured victory in the 1986 Welsh International and National Breakdown rallies, demonstrating its capabilities on the challenging forest tracks of Wales and North Yorkshire. Mikkola also set a new record for closed cars at the Shelsey Walsh hill climb, further highlighting the car’s prowess.

This historic Sport Quattro has been extensively featured in various media, including videos, books, articles, rally reports, and advertisements for Audi and Hella. It has also been exhibited at major events and venues such as the NEC and driven by renowned rally drivers like Ari Vatanen, Hannu Mikkola, and Stig Blomqvist at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Its iconic appearance and remarkable performance have made it a crowd favorite.

Since its acquisition by the current owner in December 2003, this Sport Quattro has undergone extensive restoration work to bring it as close as possible to its original condition. While the original aluminum roll cage has been replaced with a more robust steel alternative, the engine has been rebuilt by Lehmann Motorentechnik AG, increasing its displacement to 2.3 liters and boosting its power output to an impressive 554bhp. The car’s breathtaking acceleration is complemented by its track-tested performance, which has garnered high praise from racing legends such as Alan McNish.

Accompanying the car is a substantial quantity of rare and valuable spare parts, including original seats and roll cage, a gearbox, clutch components, suspension units, Hella auxiliary lights, front valance, and radiator housing. These additions further enhance the car’s appeal to collectors, ensuring its long-term preservation and potential for future restoration projects.

This Audi Sport Quattro S1 Group B Rally Car, with its storied racing history, extensive restoration, and accompanying spare parts, represents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors to own a true automotive icon. With its upcoming appearance at the Bonhams auction during the Goodwood Festival of Speed, this remarkable vehicle is poised to captivate the hearts of car aficionados, rallying enthusiasts, and motorsport fans worldwide. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of automotive history and experience the exhilaration of owning an Audi Sport Quattro S1 Group B Rally Car.