A CLASSIC Audi Quattro built for the world’s most famous rally has hit the market – but it’s a completely different car underneath.
Manufactured in 1986, the “De Paoli” Dakar Rally Car is currently on course to sell for more than £17,000.
Collecting carsA 1986 Audi Quatro ‘De Paoli’ Dakar Rally Car is up for auction[/caption]
Collecting carsThe motor is currently on course to sell for more than £17,000[/caption]
Collecting carsWhat makes this model particularly unique is the hidden secret beneath the bodywork[/caption]
That’s if the latest bid of €20,250 (£17,418) on Collecting Cars isn’t trumped in the next 48 hours, with avid rally fans keeping a close eye on proceedings.
According to the website, this vehicle is just one of five prototypes built by Italian gentleman racer Franco de Paoli for the 1986/87 Paris-Dakar Rally.
But what makes this model particularly unique is the secret beneath the Audi Quattro bodywork – a Range Rover chassis.
The bespoke Paris-Dakar rally car is powered by a Range Rover-derived 3.5-litre V8, delivering 230PS to all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
The Range Rover chassis has a reduced rear overhang and reinforced suspension mounts, with the fiberglass and Kevlar bodywork bolted to the frame with rubber pads to absorb shocks.
The cabin is fitted with beige Sparco bucket seats and red Sabelt harnesses, as well as a black roll cage, a Twinmaster trip meter, and a Halda Rally Computer.
Self-levelling pneumatic suspension has also been installed, with four air springs connected to a power supply circuit controlled by the co-driver.
The car is finished in grey, black, white, and red, and the bodywork features various sponsorship decals.
The seller reports that the vehicle was restored as recently as June 2021.
The interior, however, has been left as it was following the car’s last race in Africa more than 35 years ago.
All of this combined makes for a fascinating addition to any collection.
And for those who enjoy taking a trip down memory lane by attending historic rally events, the 1986 Audi Quatro “De Paoli” Dakar Rally Car will serve as a competitive and fitting entrant.
Elsewhere, a “show-stopping” rare Ford Escort full of retro charm and in perfect condition has hit auction.
The Cologne Blue classic is sure to be a collector’s favourite but has an unusual history.
And a vintage motor that’s over 100 years old and once belonged to royalty is also up for grabs.
A Hispano-Suiza H6 from 1919 is going under the hammer after being restored – and it could be yours for a cool £435,000.
Collecting carsThe vehicle is just one of five prototypes built by Italian gentleman racer Franco de Paoli for the 1986/87 Paris-Dakar Rally[/caption]
Collecting carsThe interior has been left as it was following the car’s last race in Africa more than 35 years ago[/caption]
Collecting carsThe cabin is fitted with a Twinmaster trip meter and a Halda Rally Computer[/caption]