1984 Audi Quattro - ex Nigel Mansell CBE

This Audi Quattro was registered brand new to a Mr. Nigel Mansell, CBE on 13th June 1984. Driving for Team Lotus and resident on the Isle of Man at the time, the future Formula One and Indycar World Series Champion appears to have sold the Coupé following his move to Williams Grand Prix.

The Audi's turn of speed and sure-footed handling made it a popular choice with members of the underworld in period, (hence the reason no doubt that DCI Gene Hunt was allocated one in the hit TV series 'Ashes to Ashes') and there used to be a ready market for 'discounted spares'.

Understood to have had just five former keepers since being UK road registered as '1 DWP' on 4th February 1985 (its current number plate 'A154 DWP' was assigned on 17th June 1993), accompanying paperwork shows that the Quattro was subject to an insurance total loss payment during April 1995 due to 'theft of parts from the vehicle'.

The components in question are presumed to have been ancillaries because today the four-seater retains its original factory-fitted engine block (number WR005159). Being built on 31st March 1984, chassis WAUZZZ85ZEA900940 also features the revised, lowered suspension (down by 20mm all round) and wider eight-inch wheels that had been phased-in earlier that month.

Off the road for eight years prior to entering the previous owner's custody in November 2011, the Quattro was subsequently treated to an extensive restoration. The last registered owner was the proprietor of a manufacturer-approved bodyshop and fabricated several repair pieces himself, as well as sourcing two new front wings, fussing over panel fit for hours and keeping the use of filler to a minimum.

Thoroughly overhauled, the 2144cc five-cylinder powerplant benefited from a reground crankshaft, Dialynx exhaust manifold, re-cored radiator, fresh clutch / flywheel, refurbished intercooler, Milltek Sport stainless steel exhaust system and various new internals. The suspension and running gear were rejuvenated too with replacement bearings, bushings and ball joints as deemed necessary. It is reported that £15,000 was spent on parts alone from the likes of Deutscheparts, Quattro Corner, and TPS.

The original interior fabric had worn surprisingly well. Carefully cleaned, it belies the 116,000 miles shown on the car's odometer. Entrusted to a specialist, the digital dashboard was returned to full working order. Aside from the minor engine modifications, the Audi gained a later (but still ur-type) 20v steering wheel and rides on 8 x 15J R8 Ronal rims. Some 4,000 miles after the project was completed, 'A154 DWP' remains highly presentable having received a degree of restoration that would not have been financially viable had the current owner factored-in his own labour costs.

Starting readily upon inspection and looking every inch the 1980's icon that it is, this very nicely restored Quattro is offered for sale with a copy Isle of Man registration document in Nigel Mansell's name, old Isle of Man tax disc (also in Mr Mansell's name), V5C Registration Document, current MoT certificate and a copy of Audi Driver magazine (January 2016 issue) on which it graced the front cover.