1985 Audi Sport Quattro

The Audi Sport Quattro SWB is one of the most celebrated and influential high-performance cars of the 1980s, developed as a homologation special for Group B rallying. Its origins lie with the original Audi Quattro, introduced in 1980, which revolutionised passenger car design by demonstrating the advantages of four-wheel drive for road-going vehicles. The Quattro combined a practical and stylish three-door ‘fast hatchback’ body with a bespoke floorplan to accommodate its permanent four-wheel-drive system and independent rear suspension. Power came from a turbocharged development of Audi’s 2.1-litre five-cylinder engine, producing 200 brake horsepower in road trim, considerably more in rally tune. The original Quattro achieved notable success in international rallying, winning the Manufacturer’s Championship in 1982 and 1984, and the Drivers’ Championship in 1983 and 1984 with Hannu Mikkola and Stig Blomqvist, cementing Audi’s reputation for innovation and performance.

Building on this success, Audi developed the Sport Quattro, a short-wheelbase homologation special aimed at maximising agility and performance for Group B competition. The car featured a 2,133cc turbocharged alloy-block engine with a new 20-valve double-overhead-camshaft head, producing around 306 brake horsepower in road trim. Weight-saving measures were extensive, including the use of Kevlar for the wings, roof and front apron, and the Sport Quattro also became the first Quattro to feature ABS brakes. Capable of 0-60mph in just 4.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 160mph, its performance was on par with contemporary supercars and even earned it the nickname “the F40 killer.”

This particular Sport Quattro was delivered new in Switzerland in January 1985 and is finished in Alpine White over a Grey leather & Alcantara interior. The car was imported to the UK in the late 1990s and subsequently acquired by a former Audi works rally co-driver, who maintained it meticulously and used it lightly but regularly.

Highly regarded for both its exceptional condition and distinguished provenance, it is well known within Audi UK and Audi Quattro Owners Club circles and has been featured extensively in specialist publications and books. Notable highlights include its participation in the ‘Quattro 30’ tour, where it received special praise from the head of Audi Tradition at the Ingolstadt factory, and winning ‘Best in Show’ at the Bradford Classic, one of the UK’s premier northern classic car events. Over the years, it has also taken part in numerous other classic tours, shows, and gatherings.

In 2011, the car was purchased by Jay Kay, frontman of Jamiroquai, who has maintained and cared for it throughout his fourteen-year ownership, keeping it as part of his exceptional collection. The bodywork is in fantastic condition, with all original Kevlar panels intact and only minor, sensitive repainting on the lower sections. The interior is largely original, featuring leather and Alcantara Recaro seats, heated front seats, unused rear seats, factory over-mats, and optional plug-in harness belts.