1993 Audi V8 Lang quattro

While it seems to be a bit odd to consider in light of the proliferation of long-wheel base versions of German luxury cars (especially in the Asian markets), for Audi with the D11 stretching the wheelbase was a complicated proposition. After all, the D11 was a complicated car, combining for the first time all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. The V8 had already been strengthened over the standard Type 44/C3 base, but increasing the wheelbase necessitated more bracing and a longer center driveshaft to maintain the all-wheel drive system. Of course, the simple solution would just have been to produce the car in front or rear drive only, but Audi’s specialty was the unique all-wheel drive system – so that was maintained in the new Lang version to help differentiate it from the already long-wheel base versions of the S-Class and 7 series:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1993 Audi V8 Lang quattro on Hemmings

Year: 1993
Model: V8 Lang quattro
Engine: 4.2 liter V8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: Not Listed
Price: Reserve Auction

Auction:
2015-01-10
Location:
Richmond, , United Kingdom
Stock #:
A250176

Description: The Audi V8 (Typ 4C) is a four-door, full-size, luxury sedan, built by Audi in Germany from 1988 to 1993, as the company’s flagship model. It was the first car from Audi to use a V8 engine, and also the first Audi to combine a quattro system with an automatic transmission. Early cars used 3.6-litre V8s, while later cars featured a 4.2-litre version of the engine. The Audi V8 was replaced by the Audi A8 in 1994, although the A8 was not sold in North America until 1997.The competition model of the Audi V8 won back-to-back Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft driver’s titles in 1990 and 1991, with the championship winners being Hans-Joachim Stuck and Frank Biela respectively. Audi was the first company to win back-to-back DTM titles. These Quattro V8’s are wonderful cars. This example, which is finished in blue with two toned blue interior, is unique as it is one of only 300 ever made. Even more interestingly, this specific example was a symbol for the Lithuanian peoples independence from the Soviet Union that was claimed in 1990, as one was owned by ex-President Algirdas Mykolas Brazauskas who was the first President of a newly independent post-Soviet Lithuania from 1993 to 1998 and Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006. Estimate: 15,000 – 25,000

Auction

All of the V8 quattros were limited production compared to their competition, but the Lang version of the V8 is especially rare to see. Truth told, the V8 was not a particularly roomy car in the rear compared to the competition so the longer wheel base was almost a necessity to make the car a viable ultra-luxury option. This particular one is pretty interesting with a two-tone blue interior that I’ve never seen on another – on top of the interesting Lithuanian history. I’m not sure that the past really increases the value much to anyone outside of a few people who like oddball trivia, but it’s cool nonetheless. The condition could be better from what’s shown, particularly outside where it seems to need a serious amount of polishing. I’d wager that despite that and even with the high auction estimate of $22,000 to $30,000, this will be grabbed by a German collector considering their cult status and since so few were produced.

-Carter