It seems every well-built Audi cites the Group B beasts as its primary influence, which might be why they carry so much weight, even in this day and age. Those famous lines, that raspy engine note, and the monstrous thrust the powerplant is capable of all contribute to the aura, as does the rarity. The Audi Quattro isn’t a regular sight in the States, but there are plenty of guys who would sell a vital organ to be able to grasp a door handle on a pristine example like this. Though, across the pond, they’re easier to come by.

Another reason could be their classic, boxy lines. Quintessentially 1980s, these cars defined the end of an excessive era along with the BMW E30 M3 and the Mercedes-Benz 190E Cosworth. Without these boxy, Teutonic titans, GT and rally racing would’ve looked much different back then, and that combination of a long hood with a short wheelbase and hefty haunches really give the car a unique stance. Thankfully, this build has glorified all those features without losing some of the original charm the Bavarian brawler’s known for.

The intent here was on being a sturdy, street-legal track car with the ability to run 10s down the 1320, and rather than an emphasis on straight-line performance, the car was improved on all fronts to match the monstrous motor. First, the body was stripped, caged and prepped for a comprehensive paint job. As this was designated for the street, it also had to look attractive when barking down the boulevard.

Then, the undercarriage was improved. As testament to the aesthetic value of this car, the suspension arms and parts of the driveline were cleaned and powdercoated. Clearly, the build was meant to turn heads as quickly as it burned up timesheets.

With widened fenders and the bodywork in place, the Quattro’s stance began to tape shape, making that classic, inimitable, Group B-aesthetic recognizable. To ensure decent weight distribution and safety, a racing fuel cell and a rear-mounted radiator were chosen.

The cabin had to be a reasonably streamlined place to be in, so the entire interior was stripped for weight-saving purposes, a gorgeous cage with side-impact bars added, and a custom pedal kit from Tilton acted as the finishing touch. This box allows for custom pedal weights and travel, and can accommodate a driver of any height.

Without question, the interior is fitting for a real rally car, and to add to the purposeful ambiance, a custom-yet-simple dash was fashioned. No carbon wraparounds here, just a a basic aluminum box riddled with classic switchgear.

Not content with sub-par suspension, a set of KW V1 coilovers were chosen to give the Quattro some potential on the road course. Complementing the coilovers were seam welded wishbones fitted with power flex bushings, solid adjustable top mounts, and anti-roll bars from a Ford Escort WRC.

One of the beauties of Audi’s venerable 2.5-liter motor is it’s willingness to take boost pressure. Fed by a sizable Garrett GT35R with an upgraded impeller, the car develops boost low down and simply screams at the top end. Like a proper turbocharged car from that era, spinning all four tires isn’t all that difficult with the savage delivery of over 750 horsepower. That power, combined with a responsive turbo and four-wheel drive traction, netted 128 mph in a 10.7-second blast down the quarter mile.

While it could be argued the car isn’t the most flamboyant out there, a cleanliness defines the build ethos. Without massive wings, spoilers and decal kits, the Audi looks remarkably reserved for a show car. Nonetheless, it’s hard to argue with those angles, those boxy wheel arches and that ducktail spoiler, and the fans agree. In addition to boasting immense performance, it turns heads at the car show.