Audi 5000 CS quattro driven by Bobby Unser to a world speed record

On March 24, 1986, a lone Audi 5000 CS quattro took to the iconic tri-oval of Talladega Superspeedway. Behind the wheel? Three-time Indy 500 winner Bobby Unser, who was tasked with a simple mission: Drive the car as fast as possible.

And that’s exactly what he did, lapping Talladega in just 46 seconds and setting a top speed of 332 kph (approximately 206 mph)–a new world speed record for an all-wheel-drive car on a circuit.

To achieve the record-setting run, the Audi 5000 was lightened, its aerodynamic profile refined and its 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-five upgraded to produce some 650 horsepower.

Although the car was scheduled to be scrapped, the Audi would later be acquired by the current owner after fostering a friendship with Dr. Werner Laurenz, who, at the time, was responsible for developing engines for racing.

As the current owner explains, Dr. Laurenz brought the 5000 CS to the owner’s house on the back of a trailer and treated the family to a test drive:

“While it was still roadworthy, we took a test drive in it that was unforgettable. In third gear at full throttle, Dr Laurenz increased the boost pressure and the Audi had wheelspin on all four wheels! I later learned from my father that the Audi was initially used for world record runs in America and later as a tyre test vehicle."

The current owner's family then acquired the car soon after that test drive.

Find this 1986 Audi 5000 CS Quattro Speed Record Prototype for auction from Bonhams | Cars, with an estimated value of €100,000-€200,000 (Approximately $100,000-$210,000 USD).