PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Ohio (acquired new in 1986)
Gary Gaska, Gresham, Oregon (acquired via The Auto Collections in 2004)
Current Owner (acquired from the above in 2012)

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS
McCall’s Motorworks Revival, Monterey, California, 2010
Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours on the Avenue, California, 2012

With the advent of the FIA’s Group B rally category in 1982, Audi responded with a new race car that utilized a short-wheelbase chassis and a turbocharged, twin-cam five-cylinder engine in an aggressively styled Baurbuilt body fashioned from fiberglass, aluminum, and Kevlar. The new model was an instant success, with Stig Blomqvist capturing the 1984 Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Rally Championship titles. In all, just 224 Sport Quattros were built to satisfy the FIA’s homologation requirements, with an estimated 164 completed in road-going trim. Given its impressive performance credentials, competition pedigree, and inherent exclusivity, the Sport Quattro attracted an elite clientele that included rally champion Walter Röhrl and Audi Chief Technical Engineer Ferdinand Piëch.

The Audi presented here is an exceptionally original, meticulously maintained example with less than 35,000 miles from new. Constructed on June 19, 1985, this Tornado Red Sport Quattro is among the exclusive group of 10 cars that were originally imported to the US in 1986 by Porsche + Audi North America to promote Audi’s participation in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. After the race, this Sport Quattro was sold to a private collector in Ohio, who drove it approximately 15,000 miles during his two-year ownership. The Audi then was out of the public eye for almost 16 years, finally reappearing in 2004, when it was presented for sale at The Auto Collections in Las Vegas. The Audi’s next owner, Gary Gaska of Oregon, kept the Sport Quattro for about eight years, drove it approximately 10,000 miles, and displayed it at several California shows. The current owner, an avid racer and collector, acquired the Sport Quattro from Mr. Gaska in 2012. It has since remained a fixture in his impressive stable, which includes several iconic homologation specials.

In 2018, the consignor commissioned Canepa of Scotts Valley, California, to perform a thorough mechanical restoration and concours-level detailing. This detail-oriented, 13-month process – documented with invoices in excess of $100,000 – included rebuilding the engine and gearbox, rebuilding and balancing the axle and driveshaft assemblies, and repairing the air-conditioning system. Cosmetic attention included repainting the bumpers and wheels, and a comprehensive cleaning of the undercarriage, interior, and bodywork, which the consignor reports retains its original paint finish.

Since this work was completed, the Audi has been driven less than 1,000 miles and remains in pristine, show-quality condition in all respects. The car is offered with its original books, tools, jack, spare, Sabelt harnesses, and a file of documentation. Surely among the most exciting, collectible, and historically significant models in the history of the Audi marque, the Sport Quattro is an undisputed motor sports legend. Presented here is a rare opportunity to acquire what may be the very best example of this charismatic breed.