In the late 1990s, manufacturer-backed teams would come to dominate touring car series around the world. One of the most pre-eminent was Audi, which spared no expense in its pursuit of the top of the podium. Using its base A4 quattro as a platform, Audi developed the car significantly and turned it into a race winner. In addition, Audi sought the best drivers from around the world in order to do their creation justice.

Technically, the Audi A4 quattro Super Touring boasts some incredible hardware. The 2-litre, four-cylinder engine boasts a massive 305 horsepower (in step 8 form) and is mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox. The ECU is a high-specification Bosch Motronic 2.8 unit and the roll bars can be adjusted internally, allowing drivers to change the setup of the car on the move. These highly developed Super Touring cars cost in the millions to develop and build, and to witness first-hand the level of detail and preparation is nothing short of spectacular.

The Super Touring offered here represents the pinnacle of Audi’s development. It was built on 12 February 1997 by Audi Sport for Emanuele Pirro, one of the most successful sports car racers of all time, who would go on to win at Le Mans five times for Audi. Chassis number ST/31 was used by Pirro for most of the 1997 season, until he switched to the new front-wheel-drive car towards the end of the season. It was then driven by his teammate Philipp Peter. Sold at the end of the season to Igor Salaquarda Racing and used by Josef Venc in 1998, ST/31 went on to win the 1998 FIA Central European Super Touring Championship.

The car was then campaigned in 1999 by CD Verbist Racing for French TV personality Christophe Dechavanne and then returned to the Czech Republic in 2000, campaigned by Charouz Racing and driven by Antonin Charouz and Tomas Enge. This car finished its international Super Touring career in the Swedish Touring Car Championships of 2001 and 2002, driven by Anders Hammer and updated to the latest specification.

After its acquisition by the consignor in 2013, the A4 quattro was rebuilt from a bare shell, with every part refreshed. All major components were rebuilt by Karl Hasenbichler (of Audi Sport) in Germany. The restoration was carried out with a meticulous eye for detail and many original Audi Motorsport components were retained, including the correct ECU.

ST/31 was completed in time for the 74th Goodwood Members’ Meeting, where it was once again driven by Pirro, even lapping at the same speed as the winner of the GT40 race.

This incredible Super Touring car is the last of 31 factory-built cars in original quattro configuration; with significant in-period competition history, it remains a stunning example of one of Audi’s finest creations. The car has been expertly prepared to race at the highest level. The quattro remains every bit as competitive as it was in its heyday, as was demonstrated by a recent podium finish at Silverstone Classic in 2016.

Should the next owner wish to continue campaigning ST/31, an extensive package of spare parts is available by separate negotiation. Please refer to an RM Sotheby’s specialist for further detail.