Beschreibung:

Audi’s sensational but as-yet unhomologated Quattro made its rally debut in October 1980, running as a ‘course car’ in the Algarve Rally, Hannu Mikkola setting a sizzling fastest time on 24 out of 30 stages. The four-wheel driven 2.1-litre flyer had laid down its credentials and in 1983 when rally classifications were changed Audi handled the change from Group 4 to Group B adroitly. The 2,144cc swept volume of their turbo-charged, five-cylinder engines put the Quattros into the 3-litre class and despite having a significant weight disadvantage compared with the two-wheel drive Lancia competition, Audi works driver Hannu Mikkola was to win his first World Drivers Championship title that year. Stig Blomquist joined Audi Sport U.K. in 1983 and in this car achieved first places in the Mintex Rally, the Welsh International Rally, the Scottish Rally and the Ulster Rally, winning the R.A.C. Open Rally Championship outright that year. For the 1984 season MVV 44Y was campaigned by Malcolm Wilson Motor Sport Ltd of Bannockburn, Wilson himself driving with Nigel Harris as co-driver. It achieved a notable third place in the 1984 Welsh International Rally and in 1985 Wilson took first place in the National Breakdown, Welsh and Scottish Rallies. The car, exactly as it came off its last event, was acquired for The Patrick Collection in October 1985. A left-hand drive example, it is to full rally specification with roll-cage, Sparco rally seats, six Hella spot lamps, etc, etc. It has not seen active use lately and although the car runs we understand the hydraulic handbrake requires attention and further careful recommissioning will be required. An evocative survivor of the dramatic Group B era in rallying, this car has the distinction of having been campaigned by two of the sport’s greatest and most successful celebrities. It is offered with a Swansea V5 registration document.