This is chassis #1 of three built for the speed record attempt.
It is the only one remaining of the three.
The good Dr. Ferdinand Piëch was directly involved in this project.
Audi’s history, like many automakers, is steeped in motorsports. In the 1980s, Audi all but completely crushed the completion in world rally events. The advent of their landmark quattro AWD system and super-powered turbocharged 5-cylinder engines got them wondering if they couldn’t do more with their engineering technologies. In 1988, they decided to take on speed records.
1988 Audi 200 Turbo quattro Nardo Speed Record Car | Photo: Bonhams
The records involved maintaining the highest possible average speed over fixed distances. In this case, 500km and 1,000km. Mercedes-Benz set in the record in 1978 with their experimental diesel-powered C111. Audi was going to change that.
Under Dr. Ferdinand Piëch, yes, that Piëch, Audi’s engineers modified the family sedan that was the 200 and broke both speed records. Over 500km, the 200 averaged 324.509km/h and over the 1,000km distance, averaged 326.403km/h.
1988 Audi 200 Turbo quattro Nardo Speed Record Car | Photo: Bonhams
The 1988 Audi 200 Turbo quattro Nardo Speed Record Car currently up for auction at Bonhams was purchased by Dr. Sigi Brunn, one of Audi’s pilots involved in the record-smashing runs. The current seller acquired the car from Brunn.
This car, chassis #001, features the unique 25-valve turbocharged 2.2-litre inline five-cylinder engine that produces 650 horsepower. The other two cars had 20-valve cylinder heads.
The auction takes place tomorrow so call all your Audi buddies now!
