This 1985 Audi Turbo Ur-Quattro Coupe is a very sharp 4-owner car with 117,554 miles showing that’s said to be rust-free, well-maintained, mechanically sound and with under 400 miles since its last service. A 2012 original-color repaint, subtle Euro headlights and front bumper trim are the only visible exterior changes; mechanical upgrades include 4-pot caliper front brakes and a short-shift kit, and the stock interior includes a rebuilt cassette unit, as noted in a 2012 BaT feature. Major work in recent years includes rebuilding the turbo, cylinder head, A/C unit and CV joints and replacing brakes/rotors, alternator, water pump and timing belt. The car has working A/C and a clean Carfax report.

The stealthy dark gray metallic paint is a factory color more commonly seen on the stock 5-cylinder “Coupe GT” model, which shares the same silhouette as Quattros but doesn’t have the subtle body bulges and ground effects-style lower body molding and somewhat more prominent rear spoiler. More commonly seen are red or white Quattros. This car is said to be one of 73 ur-Quattros imported to the U.S. in 1985, according to the seller, adding that it is one of only 664 imported to the US between 1981-’85. In competition form these legendary turbocharged 5-cylinder AWD Audis dominated the world rally stage.

Starting in 1985, the “Audi” and “quattro” badges on the rear deck were plastic, rather than decals and, in the rear window, “quattro” is spelled out in the rear defogger lines. Also, a Kevlar trunk lid was introduced to help resolve trunk-strut problems and lighten the car’s weight, then both the trunk lid and rear spoiler were painted body color. A few flaws in the paint are shown in the photo gallery, along with views of the door and body gaps that appear to be as they should be.

The optional 15×8 16-spoke Ronal R8 wheels have been powder coated and wrapped with Kumho ECSTA AST 225/50 R15 91-H tires that are said to be in good condition with about 70-75% tread. At least one wheel has a bit of curb rash (shown in gallery photos.) The wider rear valance and rolled inner fender edges provide extra clearance for the tires. The seller says that the car tracks well, the steering is tight, the alignment feels right and the car stops straight.

Optional gray leather seats and interior are reportedly in very good condition, including a crack-free dash, clean door panels and headliner; the carpets and Audi logo carpet mats are likewise in good condition. With the exception of a jammed passenger-seat adjustment and an intermittent seat heater issue, everything works, including the cruise control, rear wipers and rear defroster, vacuum central door locking, illuminated visor mirror, power windows and manual sunroof, the seller says, noting that the original radio/cassette player has been restored and the A/C has been converted to R-134 and blows cold. As far as model changes, in 1985 the differential lock switch was changed to a rotary knob; next to the differential lock switch are LED bar-graph voltmeter and oil temperature displays.

Although this photo is black-and-white, (the true color of the much-lighter “Platinum” leather is more accurately shown in the preceding photo), it does show the condition of its original leather seats and their moderate side bolsters. Often, the seats would have been swapped out with sport or aftermarket seats so it’s good to see the originals have been retained. Visible behind are the rear seats, more of a “+2” arrangement that’s said to be a snug fit.

The U.S.-model 2.1L inline, electronically fuel-injected SOHC turbocharged 5 cylinder engine is said to be rated at 160hp @ 5500 rpm, with 170 lb-ft of torque @ 3000 rpm, but the seller says that many – if not most – were quickly converted to achieve European-spec performance (by removing, reprogramming and replacing the chip) resulting in 197hp and 210 lb·ft @ 3500 rpm, but added that he has no indication that this engine has been modified from stock. The manufacturer’s listed curb weight is 2,838 lbs. This car’s engine reportedly starts easily, runs well and doesn’t drip motor or transmission oil, although there is some of the typical weeping appropriate for the mileage. Some dampness around the steering rack has also been noted. The brakes are said to feel solid, the clutch operates smoothly, the synchros in the 5-speed transmission are good and the short-shift kit works well. In 2015, a new timing belt, water pump and alternator were fitted.

The 4-wheel independent suspension is said to be in good order; both front and rear use MacPherson struts, coil springs and anti-roll bars. The 4-wheel disc brakes have been upgraded with four-pot calipers in front that stop well and this car’s power-steering system is smooth and operates as it should.

Additional underside views are shown in photo gallery.

The catalytic converter is in place, the exhaust system is tight and the muffler has been replaced. The complete AWD system, differentials and vacuum controls reportedly operate as they should. There are three differential-locking options, including center and rear diff; manually locking the center diff is said to enhance high-speed driving.

The underside and rockers are said to be solid and rust free and there’s no evidence of previous rust elsewhere.



The CarFax shows four owners and no accidents reported. The second owner purchased it in 1991 with 6k miles, then added about 95k during his 21-year ownership before selling it in 2012. Some notes in the file indicate that an OEM door was fitted around 1991 as a result of a dent there, but there is no receipt, nor is there a record in the CarFax. The third owner kept it about a year and reportedly invested $13k in rebuild work, upgrading the brakes and the repaint, which included installation of a new windshield and replacement of the correct factory logos on the sides.

The full set of the original owner’s manual, books and the original dealer-stamped maintenance book are included, as are the original jack and spare. A large file with what the seller believes to be all service records since new is also included.