|
From YourSITE.com Events Coverage Twenty-five years ago, Audi AG introduced its revolutionary Quattro to North America. The revolutionary, turbocharged, box-fendered all-wheel drive coupe had been taking Europe by storm since 1981, and when Audi began selling the car Stateside, the Quattro literally put the brand back on the map in the eyes of the American public.
Held as a weekend gathering including show, cruise, track time, banquet, raffle and the usual group photo-op, those used to events like TT-East and TT-West would have found much familiar save the boxy lines and era of these original Audi performance cars. Considering the sales number of only 668, the final tally of 35 Quattros and one short wheelbase Sport quattro in attendance, plus 130 attendees is most impressive indeed.
Even more interesting, cars on hand varied from an original 1981 model to a 1990 20-valve specimen. The rest of the original Quattros (a.k.a. ur Quattros) ranged from daily drivers and beaters to modded examples like show sponsor 2Bennett’s V8-converted coupe and museum-quality showpieces. A rally-prepped Quattro attended, along with the uber rare and uber expensive Sport quattro. Also on hand were several modern Audis like the latest mid-engined R8 supercar.
The first day of the event began with a show and shine where members were finally able to peek under the hoods and admire each and every car on hand. Following a lunch break, the schedule dictated an impressive organized cruise through the back roads of Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley and the group photograph.
That evening, the banquet was held for all attendees – drivers/owners and family at the Hotel Colorado. A raffle, silent auction and live auction were all held, with chances to win from a pool of prizes that included parts and ‘quattro’ swag. The keynote presentation of the night was provided by Karl Baehre. It was no coincidence that Baehre, a German immigrant with connections in Ingolstadt, was the service manager at the very same Colorado dealership that received the first Quattro to be delivered in America. More presentations followed, including history of the Quattro, its 5-cylinder turbocharged engine and looks back at the period when the car’s were new.
For the track rats in the group, Sunday may have been the focus. The band of 20-plus year old Audis headed to Aspen Motorsport Park, a nearby automotive country club, for a day of showing why these cars remain so legendary. Following a few parade laps, cars were able to run in groups – drivers able to push much harder and faster than they could or should have on nearby public roads the day before. All who attended seem to be of like mind. If you missed it, you missed it. Unlike TT-East or TT-West, which may be compared, this event is not an annual gathering… although people had so much fun maybe it should be.
Special thanks from all must go to the event organizers and their ample list of vintage-Audi friendly sponsors. Without people like this and the companies involved, events like this and the hobby itself would not be possible. Even if you didn’t attend, we suggest you check out the event website and those of the sponsors and support those who make something like this happen.
© Copyright 2004 by YourSITE.com |
