1985 AUDI 200 QUATTRO TURBO

ENGINE 2144cc/5-cyl/OHC POWER 182bhp@5700rpm TORQUE 186lb ft@3600rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 145mph 0-60MPH 7.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 19-26mpg TRANSMISSION 4WD, five-speed manual MoT August 2019 ODOMETER 89,997 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

This Audi shows very few signs of its age. It’s a very enjoyable and entertaining car to drive; it feels utterly confident under any circumstances, with its permanent four-wheel-drive and front and rear diff’ locks making it feel much more modern than its 33 years. The five-speed gearbox feels especially slick in operation. New brakes have recently been fitted, but probably still need bedding in, as they are the weakest point in this Quattro formula – they’re adequate enough, but could do better given their freshness. There are no suspect noises, no smoke, and all dials gave healthy readings – including the digital boost gauge.

BODYWORK CHECK

The body is in generally very good order. Some paint areas have received light rectification work, but it appears mostly original. It’s difficult to find too much wrong with the brilliant white shell; we came across a few insignificant bubbles on the wheelarches, a small bubble under a rear quarter window and some touching up on the rear of the offside front wing. There’s also some missing black paint on the nearside sill. The alloy wheels, clad in three-year- old Toyo Proxes tyres with lots of tread left, have no corrosion, although there’s the occasional spot of kerbing, most apparent on the offside rear. The ‘Audi Sport’ transfers are too new for this model and look a little garish on its executive lines. Aftermarket smoked lenses have also been added.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The black half-leather and grey and red plaid cloth inserts have survived well; the hide shows only very light patina, with cracking most apparent on the driver’s side bolster, as you’d expect. There are no splits on the dashboard and everything appears to behave as it should – including the electric memory seats, trip computer, battery monitor and air conditioning. A period Sony radio/cassette player is fitted, but the original factory-fit Blaupunkt stereo will also be supplied.

UNDER THE BONNET

It’s not the cleanest engine bay you’ll ever see; some of the black-painted pipework and the cambelt cover have a layer of surface rust and there’s minor grime. However, all fluids are clean and at the proper levels, and the engine starts easily. Everything looks original and several factory-fit decals are still fitted. The cambelt was changed three years ago and it has covered very few miles since. There’s a massive amount of paperwork and bills, and an entire spares car is available – price to be negotiated – if required.

THE CCW VIEW

With all the Audi attention for this era on the full-blown quattro, this is good value for something with many of the same attributes – and arguably rarer, too. If you’re after a 1980s executive performance saloon, then this makes a far more interesting, competent and cheaper choice than the default BMW or Mercedes.