Audi Quattro ‘Edition spéciale’
What is the Audi Quattro Edition spéciale?
- 1988 campaign model Audi Quattro
- Limited to 200 made for the Swiss market only, individually numbered
- Holds numbered plaque on the dashboard
- Audi Turbo Quattro Edition spéciale as model designation
- 2144 cm3 ‘WX’ lower-output engine of 162 hp
- Leather interior with many similarities to that of the 20V
Limited numbers a selection of ’88 range
Overall production numbers of 1988 model year Quattros are 610 units. These covers both general market 2226 cm3 ‘MB’ and Swiss edition cars. They were picked randomly from running production, meaning there is no set range of chassis numbers identifying a Quattro as an Edition or not. So far I’ve found the following correlations:
| Edition spéciale # | Audi chassis number WAUZZZ85ZJA… |
| 004 | 900475 |
| 103 | 900284 |
| 111 | 900400 |
| 128 | 900354 |
| 174 | 900514 |
How to identify being Edition spéciale ?
Beside the very visual check of having a plaque, Audi Tradition certificate or Datenblatt should identify a 1988 ZJA chassis in combination with a ‘WX’ engine or not. Parts change around, and there are many Edition cars seen without the plaque.
More specifically, the white stickers in boot or handbook, revealing chassis number and option codes, should be seen with the key ‘857 225’.
Edition spéciale no. 004 (my car)
How I considered it
My car came in a very ‘monochrome’ look. Being a 1988 model it has all the dark taillights and the factory grey color. With aftermarket grey turn signals, and grey Compomotives, made it a bit dull in the looks. The Steingrau metallic matches amber just fine, so OE turn signals were the first thing to change.
Inside most things were stock, except a respectable stereo upgrade. Luckily this was professionally mounted in conventional positions, only affecting the rear shelf in the coupe to suit the 6x9s – albeit in a rather awkward, silver design. Polk’s marine speaker grilles now fit the interior in matte black.
Exhaust was old and bent and popcorn-welded, and Milltek just released their classic line, so a resonnated item founds its way. I find 2,5″ is more than adequate for a 10V road car, but there is the concern of bolting these through the boot flooring. Not ideal, but sagging rear silencers is a thing…
From Compomotives in OE sizing, I changed over to the OE Ronal 8Js with Toyo again in 225/50. I weigh them against a set of golden centered OZ split rims in 16″ for that color and nod to the BBS E50s. We’ll see…
I never really settled with the looks or function of the Alpine head unit. Finally seeing the retro alternative from Blaupunkt, it was quickly exchanged, and looking far better. For the price though, I do expect more power in such a 4x50W unit.
After a few years of a standstill due brake issues, the car started to be ready for the road, but age made me want the confidence in having the timing belt changed. Due circumstances, the local Audi dealership made that happen, but the joy was short lived. 45 mins after pickup, the pressure hoses popped off, leaving me roadside… If nothing else, it displays the car on OE Ronal 8J15 wheels with 225/50 tires.
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