How two Germans became three

Audi is nowadays mentioned in the same breath as the two German luxury brands. But that hasn’t always been the case: with the arrival of the Audi 100 C3 that changed.

The Volkswagen approach

In the mid-1970s, Audi was, in short, a brand in its infancy that relied heavily on Volkswagen technology. With the introduction of the second generation 100 (C2), Audi takes its first steps up the career ladder. The five-cylinder, agile Avant-like version, the luxurious Audi 200 and the introduction of the legendary primal quattro put Audi more clearly on the map.

Recognized by 100 C3

But the real realization comes in 1982 with the 100 C3 in progress, developed under the leadership of Ferdinand Piëch. The all-new, significantly enlarged and partially galvanized body takes a big step forward in terms of quality compared to its angular predecessor. A year earlier, the appearance at the IAA motor show has already been largely revealed by the future model of Auto 2000, a development project of the German Ministry of Research and Technology. With that research model, Audi immediately prepares the public for the C3 and many get to end up in the production model.

Body slippage

Reducing consumption is important through low weight and good aerodynamics. The whole box of tricks has therefore been pulled open with a very slick body (valued at 0.30 cd in the base version), such as rear-mounted wipers, inner drains and side windows that connect seamlessly. The Avant is also back, now as a station wagon with a round butt and rear spoiler. A third row of seats is available on request.

The 200 also returns in all body styles, now always with a 2.2-liter turbo five-cylinder. Under the skin, the 100 builds on existing technology. So it’s basically a front-wheel drive, but a four-wheel drive can now also be ordered. The control of its predecessor has been greatly reduced.

Life cycle

The 1986 model year brings a fully galvanized body and 1988 a moderate facelift for the 100 C3, notable for the rear-mounted door handles and new dashboard. Most interesting is the introduction of a direct injection turbo diesel, the first with the name TDI, and a new top model with a V8. 200 disappears in 1991. At the end of 1990, the successor of the C4 appears, the heavily modified C3, which is called the A6 during the first facelift in 1994, which is still used today. How two Germans became three.

Offers and prices

The 100 C3 is ideal for everyday use due to its build quality. The five cylinders are known to withstand high speeds with ease and the body is corrosion resistant. However, over the years most copies have been run to the wire and distribution is limited. The price is good, for 5000 euros a neat 100 can be reached. Top cars with low mileage cost more than 15,000 euros. Avants and 200s are rarer and more expensive, in Germany there is definitely more to offer than here.