I've bought a proper Quattro...
Discussion
Well, I've finally done it. Last night I picked up my new car - a 1990 20-valve Ur-Quattro. Dark metallic blue, immaculate condition, one owner from new. Just perfect.
I wouldn't normally create a topic about buying a car, but I've wanted one since I was eight - after seeing Mikkola on the '81 RAC Rally - and I'm absolutely over the moon. I brought it into work today (it won't normally be used for commuting) and keep glancing at it in the car park while thinking 'that's a good-looking Quattro', before remembering that I own it - and I'll be driving it home later. Magic.
Many thanks to Yertis, who allayed my fears that I might be buying a money pit. Fuel consumption's a bit scary, though...
I wouldn't normally create a topic about buying a car, but I've wanted one since I was eight - after seeing Mikkola on the '81 RAC Rally - and I'm absolutely over the moon. I brought it into work today (it won't normally be used for commuting) and keep glancing at it in the car park while thinking 'that's a good-looking Quattro', before remembering that I own it - and I'll be driving it home later. Magic.
Many thanks to Yertis, who allayed my fears that I might be buying a money pit. Fuel consumption's a bit scary, though...
I'm jealous - always wanted one, in fact it was the first car I really lusted after for the same reasons as you. The closest I got was my first car - an '81 1.9 5 cyl Audi Coupe, which to be honest is nothing like the quattro.
Edited to say - pics please!
>> Edited by leosayer on Thursday 6th January 17:04
Edited to say - pics please!
>> Edited by leosayer on Thursday 6th January 17:04
Congratulations! A great car. I got mine last April after 18 months of searching for a good one that I could afford. She's also a 1990 20v - see profile for pic. Years ago I had a brief fling with a knackered 10v (1884). Enjoyed the driving, but it was a cash drain. The current one has just passed 100k miles and, touch wood, is going strong.
And I am faster in the quattro than in the Tuscan on wet twisties (probably 'cos I'm a wimp)
Hope you love yours as much as I love mine!
And I am faster in the quattro than in the Tuscan on wet twisties (probably 'cos I'm a wimp)
Hope you love yours as much as I love mine!
Thanks chaps. I will take some pics very soon, but I had rather a busy weekend and ran out of daylight. I'll give it a wash and take a few snaps next Saturday.
I'm just getting used to the handling, which is still impressive by today's standards. So much steering feel and turn-in. A delight to drive at any speed - and effortless overtaking, too.
I'm just getting used to the handling, which is still impressive by today's standards. So much steering feel and turn-in. A delight to drive at any speed - and effortless overtaking, too.
Ive had mine for nearly 9 years now and has never let me down, dont get me wrong they like to be looked after and treated with respect, if you do both, it will look after you.
It still puts a wide grin on my face, especially coming off of large sweeping roundabouts and whilst driving through the country lanes, just listening to that very distinctive exhaust rasp.
Its also the type of car, that, where ever you take it, some muppet always had a "mate" that owned one with 500bhp and was quicker than mine, (yeah right).
Apart from that it still turns heads but doesnt quite snap knicker elastic from 30 yards, yet. Only once theyve had their little bums on the passenger seat and been out for a spin, then, and only then, you might just hear the gentle twang of the elastic snapping.
It still puts a wide grin on my face, especially coming off of large sweeping roundabouts and whilst driving through the country lanes, just listening to that very distinctive exhaust rasp.
Its also the type of car, that, where ever you take it, some muppet always had a "mate" that owned one with 500bhp and was quicker than mine, (yeah right).
Apart from that it still turns heads but doesnt quite snap knicker elastic from 30 yards, yet. Only once theyve had their little bums on the passenger seat and been out for a spin, then, and only then, you might just hear the gentle twang of the elastic snapping.
phumy said:
Its also the type of car, that, where ever you take it, some muppet always had a "mate" that owned one with 500bhp and was quicker than mine, (yeah right).
yes - also the comments along the lines of "nice body kit on that Scirrocco mate", and utter bewilderment at the Audi parts counter that there is such a thing as a 20 valve engine that is not also a 1.8T. When they eventually indentify the model for which you seek parts on their computer, they will utter the words "Ah - the Full-Blown Quattro". This appears to be a semi-official term only ever found at Audi dealerships, and the recognition it implies will signal renewed interest in your custom. 
However, the parts you require will still be either NLA, or on back-order.
The only really good official Audi parts man I've encountered is John Griffiths at South Hereford Audi. The man is a saint. But parts generally aren't too much of a problem.
Hmm, that's the only part of it I'm not overly impressed by - the noise. I knew 20vs were quieter and less 'barky', but you barely hear anything until about 5k, when it makes the proper 5-pot noise and sounds great. No pops or bangs (even my old Coupe pops and bangs on overrun) - and no turbo whistles unless you're in a tunnel with the windows down.
It's almost too refined. From the outside I'm told it sounds amazing, but inside it's all rather muted.
This is not a criticism, just an observation - I'm still delighted with it.
It's almost too refined. From the outside I'm told it sounds amazing, but inside it's all rather muted.
This is not a criticism, just an observation - I'm still delighted with it.
Yes, I think compared with most modern cars they do sound great, but they definately don't have that characteristic snarl of the earlier cars. Something to do with the croos flow head and improved exhaust arrangements. I was talking to Kieth at Dialynx and fitting an exhaust without a centre box goes someway toeards "rectifying" this situation.
20valve better in every other department though so it's hardly an issue really. One you can live with...
20valve better in every other department though so it's hardly an issue really. One you can live with...
yertis said:
I'm sort of tempted to swap my 20v for one of the earlier 10v cars - they make a more exciting throbby noise and have more Atari-graphics in the cockpit...
Yertis,
I had my UR up until about three years ago.
It was one of the first in the country in '81 and was of course, left hand drive.
I still regret selling it and miss it every day.
There is something overtly special about the first stage of development when an ideal as outstanding as the Quattro comes to life.
I lived up in Skye when I had it and have utterly tremendous memories of moonlit nights literally howling across the Rannoch Moor with the windows down, so I could hear the exhaust echo across the moor; nothing sounds like them on full boost.
The build quality of the early cars was beautiful, particularly the interior; no flash, just functionality.
No matter where you go in one of these early cars, someone will recognise what it is and it usually ends in a chat about rallying.
The twenty valve is outstanding, but I think it loses something of the original appeal to it's developed refinement, and actually almost becomes a different car.
The soon as is practicable I am going to get another and keep it for ever this time; I've owned and worked on just about everything, but nothing was more satisfying than the Quattro.
One of the things that appeals about the very early cars is the narrower wheels and the rear anti-roll bar - a bit more of chuckable car I should imagine.
Compared with any modern car the 20valve still has heaps of character, and offers that with excellent reliability. WRs get a bit demanding maintenance-wise beyond 100k, as you know.
With that in mind I bought a WR cylinder head just before they went NLA....
Compared with any modern car the 20valve still has heaps of character, and offers that with excellent reliability. WRs get a bit demanding maintenance-wise beyond 100k, as you know.
With that in mind I bought a WR cylinder head just before they went NLA....
Well done sir. I am into my second year of ownership of an S2 "proper" Quattro which is based on the running gear of the original and I can only agree with the fantastic handling and performance of these cars. They will surprise many a modern car especially when you have 280 bhp and 300 lbft of torque 
Enjoy!
And post some pics, I love the originals too!
Cheers,
Steve.
Enjoy!
And post some pics, I love the originals too!
Cheers,
Steve.
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