The rarity of a car is not only determined by how many were made, but also by how often and where they are driven.
Even though there are 20 Quattro S1s in existence, it is practically impossible to spot one. Especially on public roads. Partly because the car is incredibly impractical for street use, and partly because it’s such an exclusive and legendary collectible that it almost feels wrong to drive it. This is the Audi that wrote the most history and from which the majority of Audi enthusiasts originated.
The story of the Audi Quattro began in 1980 when Audi introduced the first all-wheel-drive system for a production car. This was groundbreaking in the automotive world, as all-wheel drive was previously only found in off-road vehicles or heavy-duty trucks. The Audi Quattro used this technology and made it popular for sports cars. Its success led to all-wheel drive playing a significant role in motorsport.
Group B was established by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) in 1982, offering rally car manufacturers extensive freedom in terms of technology and design. This led to extremely powerful vehicles but also increased risks for drivers and spectators. The Audi Quattro S1, an evolution of the original Quattro, was specifically developed for this group and took Audi's all-wheel-drive technology to a new level.
The Quattro S1 was known for its aggressive design, compact size, and powerful 2.1-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine. With around 450 horsepower, it was one of the most powerful rally cars of its time. Thanks to its all-wheel drive, it could perform exceptionally well on various surfaces, including snow, gravel, and asphalt.
Drivers like Walter Röhrl and Stig Blomqvist achieved legendary status with the Quattro S1. One of the most famous moments for the Quattro S1 was Walter Röhrl's victory at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 1987, where he set a record time on the course.
Despite its successes, the Group B era ended in 1986 after several serious accidents led to a reevaluation of safety regulations. This marked the end of the Quattro S1 as a competitive rally car.
Here we see an example that has never been seen before and has just made its first appearance in the Netherlands.
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