One to Buy: ex-Yoshikuni Okamoto 1984 Audi Quattro Sport
Although Audi had produced evolutionary A1 and A2 variants of the regular Quattro which between them recorded ten WRC victories during 1983 and ‘84, the firm’s first proper Group B special based on their legendary all-wheel drive model, the Quattro Sport, didn’t emerge until mid-way through the 1984 season.
However, despite Audi winning both the 1984 Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ titles (to go with their ‘82 Manufacturers’ and ‘83 Drivers’ championships), the Quattro Sport ultimately secured just two WRC victories for the Ingolstadt marque (at the 1984 Ivory Coast event and ‘85 Rally Sanremo – the latter using a further uprated E2 variant).
The reason for this was largely Audi’s determination not start with a clean sheet for their Group B special unlike rival manufacturers Peugeot and Lancia. Instead, Audi management wanted a car derived from the normal Quattro as they reasoned a switch to an all-new machine in such a short space of time would reflect badly on the production model.
Irrespective of its limited WRC success, the Quattro Sport has since come to be regarded as among the most sought after Group B specials.
Just 214 were originally manufactured, a particularly interesting example of which is set to go under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s sale at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix on January 25th.
One of 48 Alpine White examples built and possibly the only Quattro Sport originally delivered to Japan, chassis ‘905147’ was purchased new by Japanese industrialist and renowned collector, Yoshikuni Okamoto of Kobe.
Having today covered a little under 9000km, this unrestored Quattro Sport presents a rare opportunity to purchase a US-domiciled example of arguably Audi’s most iconic production model.
Reprinted below is RM Sotheby’s description:
Chassis No.: WAUZZZ85ZEA905147
Documents: US Title
One of just 214 Sport Quattros constructed
Believed to be one of the only examples delivered new to Japan
Exceptionally preserved condition with known history from new
Displaying just 8,806 kilometers (5,472 miles) at cataloguing time
Powered by a 2.1-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine
Presented in white over gray leather with cloth Recaro sport seats
Accompanied by tools, jack, owner’s manual, import documents, and service invoices
Estimate: $575,000 $700,000
With its all-wheel-drive technology and lightweight composite body panels, the Audi Sport Quattro was well ahead of its time and one of the period’s quickest cars, dominating competition in rally racing spec.
First sold to noted Japanese collector Yoshikuni Okamoto of Kobe, this road-going Sport Quattro is believed to be one of the only examples sold new to Japan. Okamoto is well known for his spectacular collection of sports cars and is understood to have pampered his Sport Quattro from new, accumulating just over 7,000 kilometers (4,345 miles).
Evidence of Okamoto’s dedicated care can be found throughout, from what is believed to be its factory finishes of white over gray leather with cloth Recaro sport seats to its slew of unique, Japanese-specific factory decals. Clearly an enthusiast of automotive technology, Okamoto ordered the installation of a Sony color television system in the dash. Complete with dual rabbit-ear antennas mounted on the rear windshield, Okamoto’s modifications are still in the car and can reportedly be removed with little to no remaining evidence.
The consignor, a former North American Rally Championship driver, has continued the high standard of care during his near decade of ownership. Since his acquisition, the car has been meticulously stored, maintained and run monthly in his climate-controlled facility, which formerly served as his rally team’s headquarters. Adding just over 600 kilometers (373 miles) during his tenure, the consignor entrusted the car to both Anderson Motorsport of Chanhassen, Minnesota and Audi of St. Paul, Minnesota for service and preventative maintenance. A set of tools, jack, owner’s and service manual, radio manual, import documents, former bills of sale, and service invoices accompany the sale.
Rarely offered for public sale in any condition, Audi Sport Quattros are quickly acquired and cloistered away by discerning collectors. Melding an exceptional level of preservation with fascinating provenance, this Sport Quattro is truly remarkable, even among its kind, making it especially desirable to marque enthusiasts and rally-racing devotees.
