1986 Audi Quattro 10v Turbo

First registered in February 1986 by Lockyear Motors Audi in Ewhurst near Cranleigh in Surrey, this Quattro 10v turbo has a ‘WR’ engine. In other words, Audi’s original 2.1-litre (2144cc) turbocharged in-line five-cylinder 200PS unit that developed 285Nm of torque. The 0-62mph time was 7.1 seconds, not especially quick by modern standards but boy did it feel fast.

We understand that the car at some point received Treser engine tuning upgrades where power output is raised to a claimed 250PS through larger valves, high-lift camshaft, higher capacity fuel injection, increased boost pressure, larger intercooler and a new exhaust system. The Treser logo’d air cleaner hints at this but it was also recently confirmed by an Audi specialist near Bristol.

The previous owner from South Wales, had the car since early 1994 but we understand that it has been in long term storage for most of the 21st century.

Bought last year with a thought to keeping it longer term, it had a respray and a light mechanical refresh about 5 months ago but hasn’t been driven much and is being sold to free up some workshop space.

The Quattro has had a recent respray in its factory colour of Tornado Red so the paintwork across the car appears in a strong condition. Window surrounds, other trims and most of the badges are in black, including the “disappearing” Audi ring decals, which present well against the red.

As far as we can see there is no damage to the bodywork around the car and the shutlines are as they should be.

The car sits on what look like its original 15-inch 16-spoke Ronal alloy wheels, which appear in a good condition and are fitted with Bridgestone tyres which will need to be checked and possibly replaced due to having cracked around the treads through lack of use.

We are looking after this Audi during the sale and welcome any inspection of the car. Use the ‘Contact Seller’ option to arrange a visit or a one-to-one video call.

The inside of the Quattro also looks in pretty good order. The graphite coloured cloth upholstery with tartan facings and door inserts looks original but doesn’t seem to be unduly worn other than on the places you’d expect like the driver’s seat bolsters.

The black vinyl dashboard and centre console look in good condition too, with no cracks or other damage evident. The instrument panel doesn’t currently light up - a common issue which may be due to a short in the wiring elsewhere on the same fused circuit.

The radio/cassette stereo looks original but the OEM steering wheel has been replaced by a Momo Corse race wheel, trimmed in black leather with red stitching, which appears in very good condition.

Carpets and headlining are also in a good, clean and undamaged condition.

Under the bonnet, the engine bay isn’t the tidiest we’ve seen and there is surface rust on a few components, but everything appears to be present and we understand that the engine starts and runs - although requires a service and tune up to be at its best. There are no signs of rust around the internal bodywork or on the bonnet lid itself.

The wheel arch linings and undersides of the car are remarkably clean with no apparent corrosion, although perhaps unsurprising given that the car has been in storage for so long. The floor pans and suspension components appear to have a good coating of underseal or waxoyl and don’t seem to be damaged in any way and the Scorpion exhaust looks in good order.

Inside the boot, the carpet seems relatively clean and intact although the foam linings are becoming detached in places. Under the floor to one side is a jack and centrally a full size spare alloy wheel, fitted with a Goodyear Eagle tyre which looks in reasonable condition.

We are unsure when the car last had an MoT inspection. There are no test records for the car online (which usually go back to 2005/6) but a paper certificate from an inspection in 2000 records the mileage then as just over 63,000.

Although the dashboard doesn’t illuminate, the odometer can still be read and it shows it to be not dissimilar to when it had the last MoT.

The car comes with a number of previous MoT certificates as follows:

Aug 1992 - 49,046 - Leathwoods Croydon

Aug 1993 - 53,643 - Auto Clinic London

Sep 1994 - 56,173 - Motec Haverfordwest

Sep 1995 - 59,390 - Motec Haverfordwest

April 1999 - 62,251 - Kingsmoor Garage Kilgetty (Pembs)

Aug 2000 - 63,045 - Rumbleway Service Station Tenby

It also has its original service booklet, which shows stamps from pre-delivery through to 1996:

Feb 1986 - PDI - Lockyear Motors Ewhurst

Jun 1986 - 5,038 - Lockyear Motors

Jan 1987 - 9,781 - Lockyear Motors

Jan 1988 - 18,648 - Lockyear Motors

Jun 1988 - 22,201 - Lockyear Motors

Jan 1990 - 31,454 - Thomson & Taylor Surrey

Sep 1991 - 43,569 - Northway Garage Wembley

May 1992 - 49,090 - Leathwoods Croydon

Mar 1993 - 51,131 - BR Motorsport Leamington Spa

May 1994 - 55,357 - Forge Garage Haverfordwest

Apr 1995 - 58,166 - BR Motorsport Leamington Spa (incl invoice)

Jun 1996 - 61,976 - Dialynx Swindon (incl invoice for new clutch)

There are a few spare, or removed, items for the car including radiator, hose, wash bottle, belts and items of trim.

Despite its recent long-term storage, we were able to “fire up the Quattro” and it does drive although it doesn’t run as smoothly and sweetly as maybe it will once properly serviced and fettled.

Needless to say, the Audi Quattro is a legendary car which has no shortage of admirers especially in Tornado Red. Whether they be fans of rallying, Gene Hunt wannabes or just those who recognise an awesome car when they see (or hear) one.

We think this tidy, sensible mileage example in strong condition inside and out and some desirable performance modifications, will fetch between £33,000 and £40,000. It isn’t quite road ready, it needs a mechanical once over and an MoT, but what a thing to behold and more importantly to take out for a drive.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.