Celebrating the iconic Audi quattro

The Audi quattro, one of the most iconic models to grace both road and rally, will be celebrated at The London Classic Car Show to mark its 40 years anniversary.

A specially curated display of some of the finest Audi quattro examples will be showcased at the event, which takes place between February 20-23 at Olympia London.

Launched at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show, the Audi quattro introduced a revolutionary permanent all-wheel drive system that quickly established the brand’s reputation as an engineering tour de force.

It transformed the world of rallying, winning World Rally Championship constructors’ titles in both 1982 and 1984, and helped Hannu Mikkola and Stig Blomqvist to claim the 1983 and 1984 drivers’ titles.

Originally intended to be a low-volume model, the market demand was so high that it went into full-scale production for 11 years, result ing in 11,452 cars being made before production ceased in 1991.

Five prized quattro models will be showcased at The London Classic Car Show, which are part of Audi UK’s ‘Cherished Fleet’ of historic models.

“As revered today as it was back then, the Audi quattro holds a very special place in the history of the Audi brand,” says Alex Fisk, Audi UK Digital PR Manager.

London Classic Car Show Event Director Bas Bungish added: “Few cars are as iconic as the Audi quattro. Despite being produced in relatively low volumes, it had a huge impact on the automotive market and has left an even bigger impression on car aficionados.”

Visitors to The London Classic Car Show will have the opportunity to view and purchase desirable cars from some of the industry’s most prestigious classic car dealers, as well as viewing carefully curated features that celebrate some of the most exotic and exquisite marques from throughout the decades.

Highlights include Jochen Mass’ 1987 Rothmans Porsche 962C and the Maserati 250F owned by Sir Stirling Moss, in which he won the Monaco GP in 1956.