The Audi Quattro, often called the Ur-Quattro (German for 'original'), changed the automotive world when it launched in 1980. Its combination of a turbocharged 5-cylinder engine and a permanent all-wheel-drive system proved dominant in the World Rally Championship, securing multiple titles and forcing competitors to adopt AWD. This motorsport success cemented the car's legendary status and established Audi as a performance brand.
Collectors prize the Quattro for its groundbreaking technology and rally pedigree. The aggressive, box-flared wheel arches, distinct 5-cylinder warble, and 1980s aesthetic make it an icon. Early models with the original 10-valve engine and analog gauges are highly sought after, as are the later, more powerful 20-valve variants. Its significance as a homologation special that brought AWD to performance road cars ensures its place in any serious collection.
The market for the Quattro is broad, which is reflected in an average sale price of $46,873 across 72 transactions. While project cars can be found for just a few thousand dollars, low-mileage, well-maintained examples regularly fetch strong prices. The rarest variants, like the short-wheelbase Sport Quattro, are million-dollar cars, but standard production models have seen steady appreciation and remain a desirable classic.
Buying Tips
- Check thoroughly for rust, especially in the sills, floor pans, battery tray, and around the front and rear glass.
- The Quattro drivetrain is tough, but test the engagement of the differential locks, which use a vacuum system on early cars that's prone to leaks.
- The 5-cylinder engine is robust, but a detailed service history is vital. Look for evidence of regular timing belt changes and check for oil leaks or head gasket failure.
- Test all electronics, particularly the digital dashboard found on some models, as sourcing working replacements can be difficult and expensive.
Prices range from $2,600 for projects to $150,000 for pristine, low-mileage examples.
474 Audi Quattro vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 202 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
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