The Rare “Audi Quattro De Paoli” – A Paris-Dakar Racer With A Range Rover Chassis

The Audi Quattro De Paoli is a rare and unique vehicle, combining the power and performance of an Audi Quattro with the frame and drivetrain of a Range Rover. Combining two iconic vehicles, the Quattro De Paoli is a one-of-a-kind Paris-Dakar racer that has become a sought-after collector’s item.

The Quattro De Paoli was created in the early 1980s by Italian engineer and race driver Eraldo de Paoli. De Paoli, an avid off-road enthusiast, was inspired by the Paris-Dakar Rally, an annual off-road race that runs through the Sahara Desert. He wanted to create a vehicle that could compete in the race, but also be comfortable enough to drive on the roads.

To create the Quattro De Paoli, de Paoli took a Range Rover chassis and engine and fitted it with an Audi Quattro transmission, suspension, and brakes. The Quattro De Paoli was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which was tuned to produce 200 horsepower. This gave the car enough power to compete in the Paris-Dakar Rally, as well as on-road races.

The Quattro De Paoli also featured a number of unique features, including a low-slung body, wider wheels, and a lightweight aluminum hood. The car also featured a unique “square” grille, which de Paoli designed to improve aerodynamics. Inside, the car had a simple interior, with a leather-wrapped dashboard, aluminum pedals, and a racing-style steering wheel.

In the early 1980s, de Paoli entered the Quattro De Paoli in the Paris-Dakar Rally, and it performed admirably. The car completed the race without any major mechanical issues, and de Paoli finished in the top ten in his class. After the race, de Paoli sold the car, and it changed hands several times before eventually finding its way into the hands of an Italian collector.

Today, the Audi Quattro De Paoli is a sought-after collector’s item, with only a few examples still in existence. They are highly sought after by car enthusiasts, and can command upwards of $200,000 at auction. The Quattro De Paoli is a unique vehicle that combines the power and performance of an Audi Quattro with the frame and drivetrain of a Range Rover, making it a truly one-of-a-kind Paris-Dakar racer.