If you’re anything like me, when you see the words “former press car” in the description of a car you’re interested in, you immediately start getting excited and wonder “what’s this car's story?” and “has it been on anything I’ve seen?”

The story of this 1989 Audi Quattro is that it is one of four Quattros on Audi’s press fleet. Specifically, this car was featured in the Fast Lane magazine during a twin test with another rally legend, the Lancia Delta Integrale.

As well as an interesting pedigree, this particular Quattro has benefitted from a mechanical and cosmetic restoration. To help with the restoration process, two donor Audi Coupes were bought to harvest parts from, whilst the engine came from another 20v Quattro. In its 1980s heyday, the urQuattro redefined point-to-point pace, leaving a long line of supercars trailing in its wake. During the aforementioned Fast Lane article, one tester sang the Audi’s praises “On the move, the 20V Quattro is nothing short of astonishing; it offers breathtaking performance… In short, you simply never get held up for long in this car, even on England’s overcrowded roads.”

For the younger readers, think of the 20v Quattro as the original Nissan GTR, and much like the average GTR owner, the custodian of this particular Quattro has not been able to resist a spot of engine tuning. Changes under the bonnet include a new Turbo Dynamics MD147KKK turbocharger, three-nozzle injectors and a Scorpion exhaust to help the 2.2-litre five-cylinder produce an estimated 300 bhp, putting this Quattro’s performance on a par with the unicorn S1 Sport Quattro, which often commands north of £300,000. With the added power, the former owner naturally increased the braking capacity by adding Brembo callipers to the front discs. 

Alongside being a former press car, this particular Quattro has quite literally led a colourful life - at one point a previous owner decided to change the colour to black. As a part of the restoration, the car was thankfully repainted in its original Tornado Red. Alongside addressing the paint, the exterior of the Quattro received a new pair of front wings, a common area of concern. 

If the Quattro is a car that’s taking your fancy, it’s available to view at the H&H Classics auction at Pavilion Gardens from midday on 23 July. The auction is set to begin the next day. There is an expected final price of £40,000 - £45,000 when the hammer lands, and you could be driving away with a Quattro that comes with an incredible backstory.