Model History:
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The Group B era of rallying was one of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring periods of competition in the World Rally Championship. Whilst the cars involved in that era were incredibly fast and powerful, the era will also go down as one of the most dangerous in rallying history, as the cars simply got too fast for the venues they went to. But it gave us some spectacular racing moments and some of the greatest rally cars that the world has ever seen. One of those was, of course, the Audi Quattro.

The Quattro is usually regarded as the king of the Group B era, and when it first appeared with its four-wheel-drive system, it stunned the rallying world and set the standard for rally cars of the period. During its time, it saw off competition from the likes of Ford and Lancia, and became one of the most feared rally cars ever built in the hands of drivers such as Hannu Mikkola, Stig Blomqvist, and Michele Mouton.

The Quattro came about after Audi, who was developing four-wheel drive technology for a German Army vehicle, wondered if it could be made to work in a family car. After conducting some tests, Audi found that it certainly would work, and thus the idea of rallying the car was born. In 1980, the same year the first production Quattro emerged, the first rally Quattro made its debut at the 1980 Janner Rally, with its turbocharged I5 engine producing around 300 hp. But it was in 1981 when the Quattro started to reap the rewards of success, as its four-wheel-drive system started to come into its own.

In the hands of Hannu Mikola, the Quattro won its first rally at the 31st International Swedish Rally, and then Michelle Mouton became the first female driver to win a WRC round, piloting the Quattro as she held off Henri Toivonen and Ari Vatanen to win the Rallye Sanremo. The 1981 season though would be won by Vatanen in a Rothmans Rally Team Ford Escort RS1800. But, the Group B era wouldn’t officially kick in until 1982. And it was from that point onwards that, with a car once considered too heavy to compete in rallying, Audi showed the world what the four-wheel-drive Quattro could do.

In 1982, Audi stomped their authority on the WRC and showed just what a four-wheel-drive car could do, in what ultimately proved to be a fascinating season. The 1982 season would be all about Germany, as the Quattro helped to secure the world championship for manufacturers for Audi, ahead of fellow German car company Opel. Remarkably though, Walter Rohrl driving the Opel Ascona 400 was able to win the driver's title, but only 12 points ahead of a highly impressive Michele Mouton, who was second in the standings and top Quattro driver.

Audi though was delighted at their manufacturer's title and expected more of the same in 1983. It seemed four-wheel drive would dominate the sport, although no one seemed to tell Lancia. In one of the greatest motorsport duels of all time, Lancia somehow beat the Quattro and Audi to the 1983 manufacturer's title with the two-wheel drive, and simply stunning 037 Stradale, thanks to the brilliance of Walter Rohrl. Audi was simply stunned that a two-wheel car, never mind a Lancia, could beat their four-wheel-drive machine. So from 1984 onwards, Audi wanted to put that right. And they did.

This car:
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This magnificent 1983 Audi Quattro Group B started life as a Group 4 competition built for privateers to compete (photo of original car in Group 4 specification can be found in gallery below. It was acquired by the current owner in 1995 and over the period of 20 years was rebuilt to full Group B specification according to the N671 homologation requirements using completely original parts making it an identical clone a the mythical Audi Quattro Group B.

The exterior is finished in white and features original Group B kevlar body work including widened side panels side wings and bonnet and rear boot. Inside the car is as expected identical to original Group B specification including the sump guard (not shown in photographs). From instrumentation, Recaro seats and roll cage. The car door have been signed by Walter Rorhl, Michele Mutton and Stefan Blomqvist.

Mechanically the engine has also been rebuilt to full Group B specification using original and stamped Audi Motor Sport parts stamped 'SV'. This can be clearly seen in the engine bay which is adorned with kevlar parts and the genuine Group B turbo. This car also benefits from the later 6 speed magnesium gearbox which although was installed on a later generation of the Group B was in fact tested on this version. The clutch and flywheel are completely new and the engine has covered little over 500km since rebuild.

The car is fitted with adjustable suspension and magnesium elements on the front arms. The original larger Group B wheels house the correct larger brakes.

This unique opportunity to acquire a genuine competition Quattro which has been rebuilt as a labour of love by its current owner into a full Group B monster, having sourced original parts over a 20 year period. A car which could be put back into historic competition or simply admired as such as glorious homage to such a mythical car in motor sport history. A full experts report is available at requested the car is available for viewing or inspection in the South of France. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.