1990 Audi Quattro 20v - ex-Jay Kay

Background:

The Audi Quattro wasn’t the first four-wheel drive production car; that title goes to the 1966 Jensen Interceptor FF, but it’s undoubtedly the most iconic. A game-changer in both motorsport and road car technology, the Quattro revolutionised all-wheel drive and became one of the defining performance cars of the 1980s.

Conceived by Audi chassis engineer Jörg Bensinger, development began in 1977, culminating in the production model’s launch three years later. While it shared much of its underpinnings with the Audi 80 and 200, the Quattro introduced a manually operated centre differential lock, via levers beside the handbrake, to manage the 197bhp and 210lb/ft produced by its 2.1-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine.

By August 1989, Audi unveiled the final evolution: the Quattro RR. Arriving in 1990, it featured a host of mechanical upgrades, including a more sophisticated Torsen (torque-sensing) centre differential in place of the earlier cable-operated 50:50 split system. Under the bonnet, displacement increased to 2,226cc, now with dual overhead camshafts, boosting output to 217bhp. It marked the most refined and capable version of a true rally-bred legend.

The Car:

We are delighted to offer this wonderful condition Quattro 20v. Rolling off the production line in 1990, finished in Mythos Black Metallic over the famous Quattro print interior, then being shipped and delivered new to Verons Audi in Watford.

The car originally saw a lot of use in its early life, with the service history to show. Covering over 50,000 miles in it’s first five years. The car then went into storage for the next ten years, eventually being purchased and covering another 20,000 miles over the next three years.

In late 2009 the owner decided to refresh the Quattro with a partial restoration, including the following.

ENGINE

• New cambelt, water pump, relay roller, crankshaft belt sprocket, aux belts
• New camcover gasket, inlet gasket & water collector seals
• New thermostat & housing
• New temperature sensors
• New heater hoses, matrix & water valve
• New electric water pump & various hoses
• New distributor
• New coolant header tank
• Full service including oil, air, fuel filters & spark plugs

SUSPENSION

• New Koni shock absorbers fitted (retaining standard springs)
• New bump stop / dust bellows
• New top mounts
• New wishbone bushes all round
• New subframe bushes all round
• New anti-roll bar bushes
• New wheel bearings all round
• New rear lower ball joints
• New rear tie-rods

BRAKES

• New discs / pads all round
• New flexis hoses all round
• New rear disc shields
• Brake fluid change / pressure bleed

OTHER

• New CV boots all round
• New gearbox mounts
• New diff mounts
• New clutch reservoir
• New clutch master & slave cylinders
• Waxoyl body protection
• Original wheels refurbished
• New tyres in correct 215 / 50 vr15 size
• Four wheel suspension geometry / wheel alignment carried out
• nuts / bolts

The car comes with receipts for just about everything that was replaced or refurbished.

The car was then purchased by famous musician, Jay Kay, where the singer can be seen posing with the car alongside his Quattro SWB and new RS6.

The car has been dry stored and garaged for many years now, as the previous owner saw to many of the mechanicals and has unfortunately passed before being able to enjoy his work. As a result there is little to no paperwork for the recent history.

However, the cars current condition is excellent mechanically; the driving experience is as if it had just rolled out the showroom in Watford. The steering and suspension are tight, not giving any play or knocks from any corner. The brakes have just been redone, with refurbished or new callipers, giving excellent braking performance. The engine pulls exceptionally well, pulling hard all the way through the rev range, with no smoke or noises either underload or at idle.

Cosmetically the car is very good. Newly refurbished wheels all around, all rubbers and seals seem to be in excellent condition, importantly around the sunroof. The paint is also in great condition, with just a few minor scratches that can be seen in the exterior image files. The interior is also in lovely condition, with little to no signs of wear throughout. All the buttons function as intended and retain their clean and clear original markings.

This Quattro 20v is an excellent example to not only to collect, but to use. A rare example of the last hoorah for the Quattro and surely welcome and any car show or event.

Service History:

• Service – 10,000 miles – 16/05/1991
• Service – 30,238 miles – 04/08/1992
• Service – 40,104 miles – 27/04/1993
• Service – 49,956 miles – 29/04/1994
• Service – 55,283 miles – 31/03/1995
• Service – 75,362 miles – 24/02/2006
• Service – 79,385 miles – 21/08/2006
• Service – 80,800 miles – 01/08/2009

Location - Surrey

Seller - Private

Photography - Professional