1972 100 Coupe with 1.8 Turbo Engine Swap
Built by UK-based shop, this restomod brings the classic beauty of the Audi 100 into the new century.
Exquisite
Well-restored classic Audis are some of the most exquisite and eye-catching vehicles to look at. This 1972 Audi 100 is one such example. And it combines the chic styling of the era with a number of modern features, both cosmetically and mechanically. The man behind the build is Andi Riley of Leeds, England. He's the boss at a modification shop called Not Just Campers.
Photos: Fast Car
Secret Project
As the name of the business suggests, Andi's team specializes not only in campers but so much more. And this Audi 100 project serves to reiterate that fact. And perhaps the most amazing part of the story behind the creation is that Riley kept the project a secret from all but a few very close friends. That in itself is a challenge in the age of the internet.
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Finding the Right One
Riley first got the bug to get a hold of one of these for a restomod project when he saw an example of the 100 at a show in Belgium. He immediately started formulating plans for a future build in his head. The challenge, though, was finding one in decent enough shape. After a long period of searching, he found one a few hours away in Wales. So he "chucked the kids in the car and set off early one Sunday.”
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Getting The Build Started
Not long after laying eyes on the Audi, which was imported from South Africa, Riley had it on a trailer headed back home to Leeds. He had his son helping him to strip the car down. The body was in decent shape, mostly free of rust. And so the planning began to replace the motor with a 1.8-liter turbo motor from a B5 VW Passat, along with the 5-speed transmission from the same donor.
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Mechanicals
Fitting the motor and the transmission within the structure of the Audi 100 created a number of obstacles. But nothing that Riley and his shop couldn't handle with some fabrication work. With the power and drivetrains figured out, attention was turned onto the suspension. Here, a custom air suspension system courtesy of Intermotiv is at work.
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Finishing Touches
Once the mechanical elements had been dialed in, it was time to fine-tune the styling. Custom-made three-piece Lancia Delta HF Turbo wheels complement the low-to-the-ground stance beautifully. And the gorgeous Porsche Samurai Grey rounds off the look nicely. And let's not forget that absolutely magnificent interior, upholstered in sublime Ferrari tan leather. When the Audi 100 project was finished, it made its surprise debut at Ultimate Dubs 2020 in Telford, garnering a ton of attention, unsurprisingly.
>>Join the conversation about this restomod turbo 100 Coupe right here in the Audi World Forum!
For help with the service of your car, check out the how to section of AudiWorld.com.