What: Audi allroad quattro (C5) – INCA Trail 4×4 Rally Car (UK Spec)
Era: Audi modern era
Model Family: A6 / A6 allroad
Competition Name: 2001 INCA Trail 4×4 Rally
Market / Zone(s): South America (Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Uruguay)
Year of Expedition: 2001
Base Vehicle Model Year:
Debut (Event Start):
Production Span (Base Model): 2000–2005
Number Produced (Expedition Vehicle): 1
Model / Generation Code(s): type 4B
Chassis / Matrix: C5 / Volkswagen Group C-platform
TECHNICAL DETAILS (RALLY VEHICLE)
Body Style(s): Avant (raised crossover configuration)
Drivetrain Configuration: Longitudinal front engine, all-wheel drive
Engine(s): 2.5-liter V6 TDI
Transmission(s):
All-Wheel Drive Type: quattro permanent all-wheel drive with Torsen center differential
Suspension: Adaptive air suspension (height-adjustable)
Fuel Economy (Expedition Average): Nearly 30 mpg
Modifications: Replacement air and fuel filters during event; rear suspension air pipe replaced
PERFORMANCE (AS COMPLETED DURING EVENT)
Mechanical Failures: None major
Windshield Damage: Minor chip
Punctures: One slow puncture
OTHER DETAILS
Drivers: Jonathan Pelly-Fry; Anna Pelly-Fry
Status: Privateer
Award: INCA Gold Medal
Notable Achievement: Only Audi in 50-car four-wheel-drive category
Distance Covered Prior to Expedition: 13,000 miles (road use)
OVERVIEW
The Audi allroad quattro used in the INCA Trail rally was driven by British couple Jonathan and Anna Pelly-Fry as part of a 25th wedding anniversary adventure. Competing against approximately 50 four-wheel-drive vehicles, the allroad was the only Audi entered in the category and attracted significant attention throughout the event.
The rally route traversed Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Uruguay, exposing competitors to temperatures ranging from freezing conditions to 35°C heat. Terrain included poorly defined tracks, rocky sections and extended stretches of dust-heavy roads that forced over a quarter of the field to withdraw due to mechanical issues.
The allroad demonstrated notable durability throughout the event. Despite operating on high-sulphur, low-quality diesel fuel, engine oil required no replenishment. Routine maintenance during the rally consisted of replacing three air filters, two fuel filters and three pollen filters due to extreme dust exposure. The only mechanical repair required was replacement of a small plastic air pipe associated with the rear air suspension, damaged by debris impact.
Interior sealing proved effective compared to competitors, many of whom experienced heavy dust ingress. The Audi’s cabin remained largely dust-free. Other vehicles suffered shattered windscreens and multiple punctures, while the allroad incurred only a minor windscreen chip and a single slow puncture.
At the conclusion of the event, the Pelly-Frys were awarded an INCA Gold Medal in recognition of their successful completion of the demanding South American rally.