The mid-sizers

B1 - the first generation


Models Racing Special
New start Small Medium: B Large: C Extra large: D Concept_cars
B1   B2   B3   B4   B5   B6  


(1)

In 1972 the first Audi 80 of the new generation was introduced. With its styling it was more or less typical for all VW and Audi models right into the 80s. The internal code B1 showed that it was the first generation of the new mid-size "B" platform. Virtually extinct today, the Audi 80 was a very popular car due to its modernity and reliability. The Audi 80 Type 82, how it is sometimes also called was exported to many countries, amongst other also to the USA, where it improved the slightly battered reputation of Audi after the C1 had shown a few problems. Its name there was neither Audi 80 as in Europe, nor 4000 as the next Audi 80, but Fox.


(2)

The initial type designation was "80" derived from the model name. When in 1977, the KBA (German Office for Vehicles or so) made "real" type designations compulsory, the "Type82" was born.

The picture shows a VW Passat, (later US models were called Quantum), heavily based on the Audi 80 but offering other body styles. The Passat was avaliable as station wagon (Variant) and hatchback. As can be seen, even in the past it was common to share one vehicle within a large comany.


(4)

How far this was already the case in the 70s is shown with this picture. The Audi 80 Estate (station wagon), here its UK version, was not offered in Germany but in some foreign countries (USA, UK, South Africa I know of). In countries where both Audi 80 and VW Passat were offered, the Audi was positioned slightly above the VW.
Please note the bumpers which are as massive as the American safety bumpers of the 80s.
According to Richard, these bumpers were used in the UK only in 1976 on both the B1 and the C1. 1977 saw the facelift of the B1 and the introduction of the C2, both with Euro bumpers.


(3)

Although the Audi 80 B1 with its early birth was more or less skipped by the 1980s' spoiler movement there were still a few add-on parts available. That you can build a car that still looks fashionable today is proved by these two cars.
Whether the car has single or twin headlights depends on the equipment of the car. The better-equipped had the twin headights. But many owners have retrofitted the other front fascia in the event of tuning measures.
Both vehicles on the left have full metal bumpers.


(1)

(1)

Who did not want to tune his/her Audi 80 had only one real choice to drive a sporty B1: Buy an Audi 80 GTE. With its fuel-injected four cylinder engine, which became (world) famous in the VW Golf GTI Mk. 1, it may be slower as the lighter Golf but is still a fast car for its time.


(1)

While the upper picture shows a GTE that is waiting for someone to restore it, you can see here what can be the resut of such a restoration. The owner did away with the characteristic stock trim strips and the aluminium rims and lowered the car to achieve a contemporary look. Both cars have the meta bumper with only a small plastic corner.


(5)

When the Audi 80 got older, a faceift was performed, which change the appearance of the Audi 80 quite immensely. You can instantly see the rectangular headlights which put the B1's look closer to the Audi 100 Type43 and no longer a large copy of a VW Derby (Basically an Audi 50 sedan). The bumpers now show much more plastic, but they still are allowed to carry some chrome.


(4)

Of course the station wagon was facelifted, too. This version with tastefully apllied wood foil was sold in South Africa.


(6)

Whether before or after facelift, the Audi 80 was (and is) a pretty and easy to drive car. With its large windows it manages to create a feeling of space, despite its compact size. Even the trunk is rather roomy. However, it was (at least in Germany) never really luxuriously equipped, some even say it was scarcely equipped. But, in a decade of the oil crises, this might have been the right thing to do.


(6)

Hm? Did you at first think that this is a Type81? The turnings signals, looking like Type43 units and the fact that the rear doors reach until the C-pillar both show that this a Type82.
By the way, if someone can tell me why the first Audi 80 was called Type82 and the second one Type81, please do so! ;)

More about the Type82 can be found here:  
Toms Type82
www.Audi80GTGTEClub.de
www.Typ82.info


Models Racing Special
New start Small Medium: B Large: C Extra large: D Concept_cars
B1   B2   B3   B4   B5   B6  

(1) my picture
(2) VW
(3) by Michael from derAvant.de
(4) Scanned from an Audi brochure by Alexander from Al's Car Page.
(5) by Tom Nas: Toms Typ82
(6) scanned by Martin from the sadly discontinued magazine Auto Salon, Audi press photo.

Copyright 2002 Jens
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