At a time when Germany was divided in two, Audi came up with one of its most iconic vehicles ever – the Quattro.
Developed with the world of rallying in mind, where it became the first racer to take advantage of the changed rules and took the competition by storm with its four-wheel drive system, the vehicle quickly nabbed the attention of Nigel Mansell, who bought it on June 13, 1984. Driving for Team Lotus at the time and living on the Isle of Man, the future Formula One champ seems to have sold it after his move to Williams Grand Prix.
During its 32 years of existence, the four-ring coupe had five owners, who kept it in running condition, but the paperwork that accompanies it shows that it was subjected to an insurance total loss payment, in April 1995, due to “theft of parts”. However, it underwent restoration a few years later, during which the 2,144 cc five-banger received a special attention, and so did the suspension and running gear. Despite showing 116,000 miles (186,684 km) on the clock, its original fabric interior was preserved and, after a thorough cleaning, it is still found on the car.
This 1984 Audi Quattro will now undergo another challenge of finding itself a sixth owner, as it has been listed by SilverstoneAuctions at the Classic Sale, scheduled for July 30, when it will go under the hammer. It will be accompanied by a copy of the Isle of Man registration document and tax disc, in Mansell’s name, the current MoT certificate and a copy of Audi Driver magazine, where it can be seen on the front cover. Estimates show that it fetch somehwere between £25,000 and £30,000 ($32,825-$39,390).
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