Audi 80 LS 1.6 Auto B2, 4K Miles Only, 1981

CarAudi 80 LS Auto (75bhp)

Reg: RLM 212W

Mileage : 4100

RFL (12 months) : £265

Engine No : YN703174

First Registered : 25th February 1981

Colour Diamond Silver (Z4)

Interior Azure Ribbed Velour

A rare and possibly unrepeatable opportunity to own what must be one of the lowest if not the lowest mileage B2 Audi 80s in existence.

One family owned and only 4100 miles from new.

Recently recovered from dry, heated storage and sympathetically re-commissioned with full exhaust system, various rubbers, fuel system flush and refurbish including renewing fuel pipes, coolant hoses, brakes, cambelt and full service.

In true time-warp condition. Originally taken off the road due to the illness and subsequent passing of the original owner, Mr Hyde in 1983. My Hyde had taken delivery of the car in early 1981 and used it sparingly for 2 years. RLM212W was given an MOT for the first time in 1994 by Mr Hyde’s son (the V5 by this time was in the name of Mrs. Hyde, the owner’s surviving spouse) and it then sat unused in their garage until the 2019 re-commission and a new MOT in January 2020 at just 4,081 miles.

This amazing example of the B2 still has all the original Fulda tyres that are like new and not perished, the spare is also new and unused. Underneath it is like a new car. It has the the unusual (for the LS) factory-fitted option of front fog lamps along with a Blaupunkt Radio.

The key to the success of the second generation (B2) Audi 80 lay in its ability to comfortably swallow up a small family and their associated paraphernalia. Happily, it could do this while still offering reasonable performance and good economy, soon earning a good name for itself both at home and abroad. We can attest that this still holds true today. In modern driving the B2 80 acquits itself remarkably well against its original brief.

Although Audi tried hard to distance the 80 from the reworked Volkswagen Passat, they nonetheless shared a large amount of components, but that was no bad thing – the new 80 was a thoroughly decent car.

Following the pattern laid down by the first generation 80, the range comprised of two and four door saloon versions as well as an optional coupe, with Audi deciding against offering an estate. The 1978 line-up used a 1588cc four-cylinder, overhead-camshaft powerplant borrowed from Volkswagen that was available in three stages of tune, with the range topping fuel-injection model boasting 110bhp. Trim levels came in three different types initially, with the LS and mid-level GLS nestling just below the marquee-spec GLE.

The 80 was an unprecedented success for Audi, proving a mainstay of the companies production up until 1995, by then in fourth generation (B4) guise. Even today’s A4 is a progression in a long line that began with the 80.

Even though Audi only began galvanising the 80 when B3 production began, the pre-86 models still have an excellent reputation for keeping corrosion at bay. The key here is how well a car has been looked after; if they have been neglected then they will rust just as freely as most other cars from the era. Particular areas to examine closely include the door bottoms, front wings, rear arches and around the headlamps and windscreen, as well as the edges of both bonnet, bottom of the A-pillar, scuttle panel, boot floor and boot-lid. This incredible example of the B2 benefited from extensive wax protection, likely applied when new and still evident in the engine bay, and of course the car’s body and paintwork condition is as you would expect given the super low mileage and cosseted life it has led.

The sills on B2 80s were given a comprehensive anti-corrosion treatment at the factory, which you should be able to feel as a very rough finish under the paintwork. This is all completely intact and original on RLM212W.

Engine

Given that the 80 emanated from the giant Volkswagen/Audi stable, there are no real horror stories relating to these tough old units. Whatever the displacement, they are strong and reliable, providing they have been properly maintained. Another thing to check is the cam-belt. They need changing every 60,000 miles - we have replaced it in this case purely as a precautionary measure on the basis of time.

Good maintenance is also the key to the 80’s fuel system: The Pierburg 2E2 Carburettor and Auto Choke is all working as designed with the entire fuel system overhauled.

Suspension and brakes

Suspension is typical Audi, with struts and coil springs at the front and dead axle at the rear, located by trailing arms and Panhard rods. Front top mounts can be prone to wearing out, along with front wishbone bushes. Check the rear brakes are working as expected – drum brakes on the rear use a load compensating valve located close to the offside rear wheel. All again is operating as designed on RLM212W.

Interior

Interior trim on B2s difficult to obtain, and seat bolsters (particularly driver side) can sag or wear through. Needless to say on this car everything presents as new. A truly remarkable example.

If you can look past the slightly staid and boxy exterior, the B2 Audi 80 is actually quite an appealing prospect. If you compare it to an equivalent (and also boxy) E30 BMW 3-Series then it just makes so much sense, offering as it does the same Germanic virtues as its Bavarian rival, but costing a whole lot less. Maintenance and repair falls into the relatively simple bracket, most mechanical parts are readily available and there are various clubs offering great support. Most of all, they are actually getting quite (very) rare in B2 guise, so if you’re looking to drive something a little bit different then the Audi 80 could well be the car for you. This particular Audi 80 B2 is we think unique and unrepeatable with this mileage and in this condition.

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• Vehicle Summary
• Technical Specs
• Performance Specs