Audi 80 (1975-’81)
Four decades ago, this was the VW Group’s compact-executive sedan
LAUNCHED in February 1975, the Audi 80 GL slotted in between the Volkswagen Passat and the Audi 100. Built on the Passat’s B1 platform, it was more exclusive than its cousin and up to 15% dearer. As opposed to the Passat’s fastback body type, the Audi featured a classic three-box shape, with both marques offering an estate (dubbed the Variant in the Passat, a name carried over from the aircooled VW 411 and 412).
PACKAGING
In 1977, a facelift saw a popularfor-the-time switch to a pair of rectangular headlamps to replace the round ones, along with larger taillamps and an increased engine capacity to 1,6 litres. The simple interior was revised, too, and featured a neat console that housed extra gauges and, if specified, a radio, while the steering wheel was a sporty item with three spokes, each with a trio of holes. The sedan had a large 380-litre boot, but no folding seats.
Unlike these days of SUVS and crossovers, in the 1970s the station-wagon market was growing rapidly and, in 1976, the Passat wagon held 30% market share. Naturally, the Audi 80 Estate was aimed at poaching some of that. Launched in 1976 and tested by us in October 1978, it of- fered 610 litres of luggage space that expanded to 1 350 litres with the rear seats folded. This model even had American-style simulated-wood side panels.
POWERTRAIN
A longitudinally arranged, inlinefour driving the front wheels was an Audi characteristic that makes access for engine maintenance a lot easier. Available in four-speed manual or three-speed automatic guides, it began life as a 1,5-litre developing 64 kw (net). This was a modified version of the Passat engine and used a Solex twin-choke carburettor. Introduced in 1977, the larger 1,6-litre engine produced 63 kw
thanks to a drop in the compression ratio from 9,7 to 8,2 to 1.
WHICH ONE TO GET
The estate with faux-wood panelling is quite a head turner, although not quite in the same league as a Morris Minor (Woody) Traveller with its solid ash frame. If the vinyl has been damaged or removed, visit one of the companies that do car wrapping and paintwork protection; they should be able to produce a good facsimile.
If authenticity is your thing, the earlier cars look more classic, with four circular headlamps and smaller taillamps. Then again, the later models did have that sporty three-spoke steering wheel instead of the boring two-spoke.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
These cars use timing belts to operate the overhead camshaft and they should be replaced every four years/100 000 km. Use the best-quality belt you can afford. Carburetion is Solex 32/35 TDID, or Solex 2-B-2, and is easy to maintain. Keep an eye on the CV boots for cracks/tears.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICES
The rst year’s sales totalled about 3 000, and it then settled at 2 000 per annum until 1979, after which less than a thousand were sold annually until the end of manufacturing in 1981. Prices vary according to condition, but most are very reasonable at the R20 000 mark.