A wild, factory-blessed Sport quattro, once owned by Audi Club of North America founder Frank Beddor Jr., is set to cross the auction block at RM Sotheby’s. This iconic car, nicknamed “The F40 Killer,” is a testament to Audi’s rich motorsport heritage and a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.
A Birth of a Legend
Following Audi’s second World Rally Championship win in three years, the German automaker sought to bridge the gap between its motorsport successes and its road cars in the United States. To achieve this, Audi’s special vehicles manager, Jo Hoppen, partnered with Frank Beddor, the founder of the Audi Club of North America. The Beddor family, known for their passion for racing, commissioned five Audi Sport quattros, a model not yet available in the U.S. at the time.
A Mechanical Masterpiece
Chassis 5035, the subject of this article, was delivered to Andial’s Dieter Inzenhofer for federalization in late 1985. Legendary Audi Sport engine builder Heinz Lehmann took the 2.1-liter turbocharged inline-five-cylinder engine to new s, enhancing it with a ported-and-polished cylinder head, hotter camshafts, a Motronic ECU, an optimized turbocharger, and custom exhaust and intake manifolds. The result was a staggering 435 horsepower and 342 pound-feet of torque.
Heinz Kluge, an Audi transmission specialist, upgraded the five-speed gearbox with stronger synchromesh and shorter gearing for improved acceleration. Hoppen also provided Audi Sport suspension parts and a bespoke roll cage to enhance the car’s racing capabilities.
Dominating the Tracks
Driven by Steve Beddor, “The F40 Killer” terrorized numerous Audi club autocross events throughout the Midwest. However, it was at the Ferrari Club of America’s prestigious Virginia City Hill Climb where the car truly made its mark. In 1991 and 1992, Beddor piloted the Sport quattro to back-to-back overall victories, shattering course records and outperforming Ferrari F40s.
A Timeless Icon
Today, this legendary Audi Sport quattro remains in excellent condition and has been sparingly driven while meticulously maintained. Its unique history, exceptional performance, and iconic status make it a highly sought-after collector’s car. As it prepares to cross the auction block at RM Sotheby’s, “The F40 Killer” is poised to captivate automotive enthusiasts and set a new benchmark for Group B homologation specials.
Key Features:
- Factory-Blessed: A direct link to Audi’s motorsport heritage
- Modified for Racing: Enhanced performance and handling
- Proven Track Record: Back-to-back Virginia City Hill Climb victories
- Unique Ownership History: From the Beddor family’s collection
- Estimated Value: $375,000 – $475,000 USD
This legendary Audi Sport quattro offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.
Source: rmsothebys.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
