When you’re talking about road-going, limited-production rally legends, few models capture the imagination quite like the Audi Sport Quattro. Another often overlooked Audi candidate for that title may be the limited numbers ‘Edition spéciale‘. With just 214 Sport Quattros and 200 Edition Quattros ever produced, these cars are not only rare, but also great ambassadors to Audi’s Vorsprung of the 1980s.

The ur-Quattro ‘Edition spéciale’: Subtlety and Exclusivity

The 1988 Audi Quattro ‘Edition spéciale’ takes the legendary urquattro platform and adds an extra layer of refinement. Under the hood, it offered the tried-and-true 2.1-liter turbocharged inline-five engine, pushing a downgraded 162 horsepower alike the US and Japan specs. But what sets the ‘Edition spéciale‘ apart is its exclusive options and bespoke detailing.

The Audi Quattro in limited edition form – photo courtesy niceshot.no


Inside, the cabin exudes Audi’s premium feel, with exclusive interior trim options that distinguished this version from most early Quattros. You’ll find leather-clad seats, an individually numbered badging on the dash, and subtle touches that make the ‘Edition spéciale’ a collector’s 10V dream.

This isn’t just another “rally car”; it’s a refined road-going machine for those who wanted the best of Audi’s performance tech wrapped in an elegant package. With a K24 conversion and upgraded internals, driveability has been modernized in the hands of Lehmann Motorentechnik.

Edition Quattro no. 004/200 – photo courtesy niceshot.no

The Audi Sport Quattro: Purely focused on Performance

While the ‘Edition spéciale’ focuses on subtle upgrades and exclusivity, the 1984 Audi Sport Quattro is all about performance. In my regard, it is a Quattro amped in every aspect to what anyone with an urquattro could wish for.

If it’s not clear to you, it meant a 1983 offering of proper fuel injection, modifyable engine management, bigger (albeit restricted in OEM form) turbo, adjustable coilover suspension, chassis reinforcement bars, separate handbrake calipers, and histories of mindblowing prototypes.

It is a Quattro amped in every aspect to what anyone
with an urquattro could wish for.

Ola Lereim

From the outside, it’s clear the Sport Quattro means business. Flared fenders, and that iconic chopped and beefier rear-end create a car that looks as if it’s in sideways motion even while standing still. The light-weight body panels not only add to its menacing appearance but also help keep the weight down, giving the car an exceptional power-to-weight ratio.

This example incorporats works 9,5J Speedline rims and an optimalization including an un-restricted turbo. It is a rally car for the streets—one that practically begs to be driven spirited.

Audi Sport Quattro 124/214 – photo courtesy of niceshot.no

Conclusion: Collectible Icons for the Performance Enthusiast

While both these Quattros share the same DNA, their executions are entirely unique. The Audi Sport Quattro is the brawny, non-restricted sibling, built for those who want to experience a piece of rally history every time they get behind the wheel. The Ur-Quattro ‘Edition spéciale‘, on the other hand, offers refinement, exclusivity, with a nod towards being more of a Grand Tourer.

In a world where performance cars often blur into one another, these two Audi legends stand out not just for their rarity, but for the distinct driving experiences they offer of their time. Whether you’re drawn to the brute force of the Sport Quattro or the timeless elegance of the ‘Edition spéciale‘, these limited-productions will forever remain coveted pieces of Audi’s legacy.

Typ 85 siblings – photo courtesy of niceshot.no


Here are some other shots from our September session: