This 1985 Audi Sport Quattro Is Worth At Least One Of Your Kidneys

This is what started it all for Audi Quattro, at least for its road cars. Built as part of the Group B homologation requirements, this is one of just 164 examples of the street-legal version of the Audi Sport Quattro. To say it's extremely rare would be an understatement. As per requirements, Audi built 200 examples, but only 164 were sold, such as this one, which is heading to RM Auctions' Villa Erba event at Lake Como, Italy, on May 27. This particular Sport Quattro was built on December 17, 1984, and was registered with Audi AG in May 1985.

The auction house claims that within the car's first two years of life, it was sent back to Audi HQ in Ingolstadt where its original aluminum-alloy engine block was swapped out for a new steel block, a fairly common upgrade at the time. Reason being was that the original alloy blocks were susceptible to cracking. Since that upgrade, the vehicle in question has been meticulously maintained, with just over 56,000 original miles on its odometer. Its new owner will also receive a complete history file and original invoices, and a list of maintenance work, such as a major engine overall in 2010 by MTM Mayer.

It was then the engine was confirmed to have an output of 343 hp and 256 lb-ft of torque, which is a bit higher than official factory figures. More recent maintenance includes some work done to the front axle wheel bearings and drive shaft, a new distributor, spark plugs and air mass meter, and a new windscreen. Its overall condition, not surprisingly, is exceptional, thanks to it being stored in a warehouse since 2012. Audi will even provide a full inspection and any necessary work before the sale itself. RM Auctions estimates this 1985 Audi Sport Quattro will be sold somewhere between 300,000-350,000 Euros. For the record, you can survive with just one functioning kidney. Photos courtesy of RM Auctions.