Audi Quattro De Paoli Parigi - Dakar 1986 1986 for sale

An incredible car, the result of Italian engineering genius, often remaining partly unknown. This first prototype is developed by Franco De Paoli, founder of the eponymous team, at his Personal Car Center in Buccinasco in 1985. The car is designed from scratch to compete in the grueling Paris – Dakar: fundamental characteristics such as reliability, reduced weight, accessibility, ease of intervention, comfort, and drivability are taken into consideration. A Range Rover-derived chassis is used with a reduced rear overhang and reinforcements at the suspension attachment points; the rigid axle has been retained by adding links and a Panhard bar also on the rear axle. An integrated roll bar has been installed to protect the cockpit. The fiberglass and kevlar body is bolted to the chassis with rubber pads to absorb shocks; the front and rear hoods are designed to facilitate access to mechanical parts in case of failure and accident; the seats are Sparco anatomical. The engine is the classic Rover V8 of 3500 cc boosted to 230 hp at 5400 rpm. The engine position has allowed for a 50% weight distribution on both axles. The top speed is close to 200 km/h. The fuel system, exhaust, and transmission (including gearbox, clutch, drive shafts, and joints) have been extensively modified. The cooling system has been enhanced with a new heat exchanger that allows for the correct engine/oil temperature in all conditions. The most important innovation is the self-leveling pneumatic suspension system designed by De' Paoli himself. Four air springs replace the coil springs and are connected to a power circuit controlled by the navigator. An electrocompressor provides air in the desired quantity and pressure; each axle is equipped with a leveler that determines the loading and unloading of air in the system based on the car's stance. Through a command on the dashboard, the navigator intervenes manually if they wish to change the stance. Behind the seats is a