Who Wants This Audi?

This Audi Sport quattro could have be mine, if I hadn’t made some different car-based decisions along the way.

Of course, regret is a hungry animal and if I had to make my decisions again I’d do it all the same. But that means I don’t own this short wheel base Group B homologation-special Audi, and neither do you.

Bryn Musselwhite Speedhunters Retropower 2018-27

Which is a shame, because I think it’s damn near perfect. From the subtle colour and lack of livery, to the worn interior and the slightly ill-fitting panels. Perfection.

Bryn Musselwhite Speedhunters Retropower 2018-26

Not that Cal, Nat and the team at Retropower do though. To get an idea of what standard they work to, take a look at this Alfa Romeo that Jordan shot recently. David West who owns that, also owns this Audi. Sir, I commend your immaculate taste.

Still, Cal is keen to point out where he’d improve on this build, and that’s why it’s a spotlight rather than a full feature. So although Retropower look after the Audi now and have got pretty deep with it, there is always room for improvement.

Bryn Musselwhite Speedhunters Retropower 2018-22

But that’s where we disagree, because like I say, I think it’s perfect. As much as I admire and yearn for mile-deep paintwork, shut lines measured in microns, and F1 levels of detail – this Audi is more me.

Because I’m not perfect, how I live my life isn’t perfect, and my driving certainly isn’t perfect.

Bryn Musselwhite Speedhunters Retropower 2018-8

Plus (and there will be more pluses), it’s from my favourite era of cars, it’s well recognised that as you get older you lust after the hero cars of your childhood years. The Audi Sport quattro is embedded so deep in my lust pocket, I’m stunned writing this that I’ve never even tried to own one. Man fail right there, I got way too sidetracked with a certain Volvo.

Bryn Musselwhite Speedhunters Retropower 2018-20

But therein lies my downfall and my success – I have never really planned anything in life. I just wanted to be happy, and you can do that by not looking very far in to the future. From going out for a drive to getting on a plane to another country, happiness is close if you’re prepared to make some fast decisions. I’ve never been the kind of guy to think too far ahead.

Bryn Musselwhite Speedhunters Retropower 2018-1

So for years I never really saved money, or on the flip side took on any debt. So, an Audi like this has never been easily attainable, it would have had to be planned and committed to.

Bryn Musselwhite Speedhunters Retropower 2018-7

And it deserves that kind of dedication, the history and myth that surrounds anything short wheel base Audi, real or homage, is the stuff of automotive folklore. So for the meantime, I’ll just keep on writing about these things and looking back with a wry smile. Things turned out good for me regardless of the amount of broken cars I have, and like I say, I have no regrets.

Bryn Musselwhite Speedhunters Retropower 2018-3

It’s never too late though and who knows, maybe I will get one? Then I could feel the slip and grip of all four wheels fighting physics as the turbo pounds boost into the five cylinder engine. My feet dancing on the Wilwood pedals, body pinned in the worn bucket seat, gravel pinging off the underside, and dirt flicking across the composite body panels.

Until then I’ll just… Who am I kidding? I’ll just keep thinking I should have bought one. Arse.

Bryn Musselwhite Speedhunters Retropower 2018-6

Oh, and I took these pictures whilst having a good look around Retropower. You’re not going to believe what else they have in the workshop…

Bryn Musselwhite
Instagram: Brynmusselwhite

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1

me ^_^

2

Great car obviously, if it's real. Not that a tribute would be bad either, SH has featured one of those before. All the competition cars were LHD as they would be from Germany and I have never heard of a RHD model of the 200 or so of the street version.

3

Looks like it has the Audi 80 a-pillar/windshield angle so if a tribute its been well done, not just a shorted Coupe.

4

Bryn back from the dead? What happened ?

Author5
Bryn Musselwhite

Yup, been a bit distracted recently but flattered you remember me. Very much missed making words and pictures for Speedhunters, so hopefully 2019 will allow me more time for that!

6

He was busy creating the world's fastest tracking shots.

7

SWB quattro is sooo ugly from side view.

Author8
Bryn Musselwhite

Brutally ugly, but what a sense of purpose with it!

9

It's kind of like a Frenchies and Boxers...I don't get them, but my wife thinks they are adorable.

10

My dream car always has been always will I hope to be in the positions to own one, one day even a replica until then I will be happy with my French Bulldog.

11

+1 for my theory!

12

lollol I was thinking the same thing! Always drooled over these things but never seen the side view apparently... having second thoughts now.

13

Me , Obviously

14

This is just perfection: I love the colour, the way it sits and, having seen some videos online, the way it sounds as well.

When my lottery numbers come up I'll be banging on the door of Retropower!

15

Well if you're giving it away.....

16

Is it me or does this piece not actually tell us much about the car? Kept waiting to get to it but it never appeared.

Author17
Bryn Musselwhite

Sorry about that, it's a spotlight... Which means we never get too deep, but they're ideal for cars which you just can't walk away from without grabbing a couple of pictures. Often we'll plan to go back and feature something and just never get around to it, so this gets it done on the spot.

18

So... what's going on with the 245?

Author19
Bryn Musselwhite

So... Everything and nothing. But at some point in the spring there will be an update, it's on a ramp as we speak having a gearbox put in it. Which is the final piece of the parts puzzle which has eaten the last couple of years. Hopefully done soon!

20

I went to Retropower years ago when I was just a teen with a tatty e30 about getting an exhaust fabbed up. Unfortunately it didn't work out but I did really appreciated them taking the time out of their day to discuss my ideas. Especially as a couple of other places had turned their noses up at me and my 'inexperience' at the time.

Author21
Bryn Musselwhite

Genuinely good people, had heard good things and wasn't disappointed. They are refreshing in a world of hype and under delivery.

22
Will_Squareback

Awesome write-up but I can't be the only one giggling at this, "embedded so deep in my lust pocket". You've got a way with words Bryn!

23

Wait, that really is what she said.

Author24
Bryn Musselwhite

Haha, why thank you. Not entirely sure where that one came from, but it's true!

25

For anyone wondering, it's one of the Dialynx replicas.

Author26
Bryn Musselwhite

Sorry, should have added that. I think it was the Dialynx demo too. Retropower didn't hide that info from me.

27

Does anyone know what that color is called? Is it an old Audi color?

28

Long time, no see Bryn! Where you been?! We need more posts from you

Author29
Bryn Musselwhite

Hello, I've been hiding on commercial film locations around the place. Pretending to be a creative producer with a film company, but in reality I've just been itching to get some more Speedhunting done. More are coming :)

30

hey bryn, about that volvo... can we look forward to some update on this? :)

Author31
Bryn Musselwhite

Yes you can, it's still with me and work has been on going, I'll explain all in the next couple of months.

32

I would love to have one

33

Um...who doesn't want it?!

34

I mean, this is cool and all, but how's that Volvo coming along?

Author35
Bryn Musselwhite

It's nearly alive... And the very average story of failure and disappoint that accompanies it will be seen here in due course :)

36

Hey Bryn, are you still part owner of that awesome 911 that Bruce imported from Canada?

Author37
Bryn Musselwhite

Hey, no, Bruce is now the sole owner. It was always more his story than mine, so we did a deal... I have enough trouble with keeping my own fleet on the road and that 911 needs a lot of love! Plus Bruce said I could drive it anytime when it's done, so what's not to love!

38

This is the best Audi ever made

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