FYI: Legendary racer Bobby Unser’s speed record-breaking 1986 Audi 5000 CS Quattro is set to go under the hammer at Bonhams Paris auction.
Iconic Racer Meets Iconic Car
In the world of motorsports and classic cars, few combinations are as thrilling as a legendary driver pairing with a groundbreaking vehicle. This is precisely the case with the 1986 Audi 5000 CS Quattro, which was driven by the illustrious Bobby Unser to break speed records.
Auction Star: The 1986 Audi 5000 CS Quattro
Scheduled for auction by Bonhams on February 6 in Paris, this Audi is anticipated to fetch between $100,000 and $210,000. This may sound extravagant for an Audi of this era, but this particular model is anything but ordinary.
Boosting Audi’s Image
By the mid-1980s, Audi was a powerhouse in the World Rally Championships, making waves in Europe with the Quattro Coupe. However, the brand’s reputation in the United States needed a boost due to issues with alleged unintended acceleration in the Audi 5000, known elsewhere as the Audi 100. Audi’s solution was to captivate American audiences through motorsport heroics.
A High-Performance Marvel
The 1986 Audi 5000 CS Quattro set to sell had been modified for aerodynamic prowess and powered by a 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-five engine, delivering an astonishing 650 horsepower. On March 24, 1986, Bobby Unser piloted this sedan around the Talladega Superspeedway, achieving a maximum speed of 206.3 miles per hour—an impressive feat for its time.
A Piece of History
Post-record, the Audi returned to Germany. The thrill of the drive and the groundbreaking engineering made lasting impressions on its owners. The current steward of the vehicle first encountered it during a factory tour conducted by Dr. Werner Lorenz, a notable figure in Audi’s racing engine development. This iconic car has remained within the family for decades, a testament to its enduring legacy.
Racing into the Sunset
While the 5000 CS Quattro’s achievements were monumental, the shadow of controversy loomed large over Audi in subsequent years, owing to media reports of its earlier acceleration problems. Despite this, Audi continued its investment in motorsports with triumphs such as returning to Pike’s Peak and successes in the Trans-Am and IMSA Racing Series.
For those eager to own a slice of automotive history, the upcoming Bonhams auction is an unmissable opportunity to acquire a vehicle that encapsulates Audi’s innovative spirit and Bobby Unser’s indelible mark on racing.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
