V8-Powered Audi Quattro Dakar Rally Car Hits Auction Block
This Audi Quattro might not have iconic five-cylinder power, but it would undoubtedly be a party on any terrain.
Virtually every Audi fan has fantasized to some capacity about being behind the wheel of the iconic UR Audi Quattro. It’s safe to assume that the vast majority of those fantasies come in the form of the legendary S1 Quattro rally car. However, if you’re looking for something else to add to those daydreams, this Paris-Dakar Rally veteran Quattro is looking for a spot in your brain. Furthermore, it’s looking for a spot in your garage.
The “De Paoli” Audi Quattro Dakar Rally Car is currently for up for auction on Collecting Cars. (Editor’s Note: the auction ended with the car “unsold.”) Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way, though. No, it does not have a 20-valve turbo five-cylinder. It doesn’t even have a 10-valve inline-five. It has a V8. To shake things up even more, it’s not even an Audi chassis, but if you stick it out and take a look at the details, we think you’ll still find yourself enjoying it.
This Audi Is a Land Rover Based Imposter, but It’s Cool Enough to Hang out Anyway
The listing states that this is one of five prototype vehicles built by Italian racer Franco de Paoli for the Paris-Dakar Rally. It’s a Range Rover chassis that has been shortened a bit to accommodate the length of the Quattro’s body. In addition, the chassis has reinforced suspension mounts. The fiberglass and Kevlar Quaatro body is mounted to the frame with rubber pads for shock absorption. That’s great because the Dakar rally isn’t traditionally a very smooth ride.
To further combat those rough roads, it has self-leveling pneumatic suspension with air springs. Inside, controls for the suspension are complimented by an era-appropriate Twinmaster trip meter, a Halda Rally Computer, Sparco bucket seats, and a full roll cage, bearing Sabelt racing harnesses.
The listing does not dive into power specs, unfortunately. However, a 1986 Range Rover with the classic Rover V8 under the hood makes a whopping 165 horsepower. Sure, it’s well short of the iconic turbo-chattery, Group B dominating S1 Quattro, but it would still be a blast.
Real Dakar Pedigree and Real Quattro Styling
According to the listing, the current owner gave the car a full-blown restoration in 2021. Prior to its restoration, it was used in various rally events. The seller reports that it took part in the Paris-Dakar rally in both 1986 and 1987. Having actual Dakar experience definitely gives this thing a boost in street cred. The biggest issue for interested parties here in the U.S. is the fact that the car is located in Milan, Italy.
At the time of writing, the auction has less than 24 hours remaining with a current bit of €23,250. That’s about $25,000 USD. Honestly, that doesn’t seem like too bad of a deal at all. We’ll definitely be keeping an eye on it to see if it pops up again at another auction or in the hands of an Audi enthusiast. We’re just glad we got a chance to check this thing out!
Photos: Collecting Cars
