Few names in the world of performance rally cars stir the soul like the Audi Sport quattro. And when that name comes with a legacy of speed, victory, and a looming half-million-dollar value, you know you’re looking at something truly exceptional.
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Meet “The Red Devil,” a 1984 Audi Sport quattro unlike any other. This is no garage queen—it’s a fire-breathing symbol of Audi’s Group B dominance and an icon born from competition, family passion, and legendary engineering. With roots tied to motorsport heroes and hill climb records, it’s now drawing attention for more than its history alone—it’s doing so with a price tag that’s brushing against the $500,000 mark.
Born to Race, Built to Win
Following Audi’s World Rally Championship triumph, the company looked to bring its motorsport essence to U.S. roads. Enter Frank Beddor Jr.—racer, Audi Club founder, and father of the speed-hungry Beddor clan. His vision? A family of drivers representing Audi’s prowess on American soil. His request? Five Sport quattros.
Of that special fleet, one rose to legendary status. Dubbed “The Red Devil,” this 1984 model became David Beddor’s personal race weapon and a key player in Audi’s underground effort to inspire U.S. enthusiasts. From autocross battles to record-setting hill climbs, it left rivals in the dust and fans in awe.
The Power Behind the Legend
Under its short hood lies a turbocharged five-cylinder heart, tuned by the legendary Heinz Lehmann. This Red Devil roars with 449 horsepower and 466 Nm of torque at 5,400 rpm—over 145 hp more than stock. Modifications include hotter cams, a ported head, Motronic ECU, and an optimized turbocharger, all carefully orchestrated to deliver relentless performance.
That power met talent in David Beddor, who received training from Audi rally legend John Buffum. The result? A driving force that shattered records, including a stunning first-place finish at the 1991 Virginia City Hill Climb—beating a Ferrari F40 by 12 seconds.
An Icon That Earned Its Reputation
Between 1988 and 1998, the Red Devil dominated Audi club events, turning each one into a Beddor family showcase. David wasn’t just fast—he was strategic, fearless, and precise. Later that same year, he would take the Red Devil to Minnesota’s Brainerd International Raceway and break the lap record there too.
Modified by experts like Dieter Inzenhofer and backed by Audi legends, this machine is more than just a fast car—it’s a rolling testament to what’s possible when racing passion meets factory-grade engineering.
Preserved, Proven, and Poised for Glory
Today, the Red Devil remains under the care of the Beddor family. It’s been sparingly driven but carefully maintained, complete with period documentation and original Audi correspondence. For those who seek an analog connection to motorsport history, few machines offer such credibility—or such attention—especially now as it circles near a half-million-dollar valuation.
Summary
With deep ties to Audi’s motorsport legacy, the Red Devil stands as more than just a car—it’s a story, a symbol, and a machine that made history. From hill climbs to racetracks, its victories are etched into performance lore. Now poised to change hands, this legendary Sport quattro could very well command a value nearing the half-million-dollar mark—a fitting figure for a machine of such rarity, heritage, and power.
Disclaimer This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or purchasing advice.
