13 Apr 04
GT 1.8 (carb) - 1781cc, 90bhp, four cylinders; GT-5S 1.9 (carb) - 1921cc, 100bhp, five cylinders; GTi 2.0 (fuel injection) - 1994cc, 115bhp, five cylinders; GT 2.1 (fuel injection) - 2144cc, 136bhp, five cylinders; Quattro 2.1 (turbo, fuel injection) - 2144cc, 200bhp, five cylinders; GTi 2.2 (fuel injection) - 2226cc, 136bhp, five cylinders; Quattro 2.2 (turbo, fuel injection) - 2226cc, 200bhp (220bhp from August '89), five cylinders
£500-£10,000
Accident damage, worn suspension, blown turbos, worn-out smoky engines, amateur track/rally usage and evidence of very hard driving
Audi Coupes from the 1980s can be picked up for a wide range of prices, reflecting the variety of engines and performance levels that were offered, and the age of the model. Each version of the Audi coupe is desirable in its own right, although obviously some models (Quattro) are considerably more desirable than others (1.8- and 1.9-litre carburettor versions). The more basic models are popular amongst those who want the looks without the expense - watch out for such models kitted out as Quattro lookalikes - and the 200bhp and 220bhp Quattro versions are now collectable classics. The GT/GTi versions are somewhere in between.
Standard kit on the Quattro at its 1980 launch included a close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox, permanent four-wheel drive (of course), power steering, disc brakes, electric windows and mirrors, sports seats, front foglamps, alloy wheels, central locking and lots of spoilers. It initially came in left-hand drive only; RHD cars followed in 1982. The GT-5 S was somewhat less well specified, but did come with optional three-speed automatic transmission. A good compromise for those who can't stretch to a Quattro is the GT 2.1/2.2 and non-turbo Quattro models (136 bhp, fuel injection) which had uprated suspension, close-ratio gearbox, ventilated disc brakes, sunroof, alloys, central locking, electric windows and sports seats.
The angular Quattro coupe blew away the opposition on the World Rally circuit, and pioneered the use of four-wheel drive in modern high-performance production cars rather than in mud-plugging utility vehicles (technically speaking, the Jensen FF got there first, but the Quattro was the car that brought 4wd to popular attention). The Audi's looks may be too '80s for some - especially the all-white and all-red bodykitted examples - but its depreciation (loss in value) has flattened out now as collectors are beginning to invest in good examples. These are, unfortunately, quite rare, as many have been boy-racered to death and dilapidation; we'd advise any potential Coupe buyer who is not sure of their mechanical skills to get a professional inspection done, especially if about to shell out nigh-on £10,000 for a 'mint' Quattro.
