I knew I liked Jonathan Wheatley the moment we heard him mention on the F1 Beyond the Grid Podcast that a trip to Audi Tradition was on his short-list during his first visit to Ingolstadt.
What’d he do there you ask? He drove a Sport quattro.
If you’d just been hired to lead F1 and you had access to a car collection like that, would you spend all your time in the office doing paperwork? I wouldn’t either.
Well, as it turns out, that Sport quattro left an impression on Jonathan. While he’s been working with the Sauber team to net real results in this final season before a shift to Audi hardware and branding, he’s also been busy picking up a new ride.
Wheatley posted to Instagram earlier this week confirming the acquisition stating, “New car day, I have wanted one of these since they were new and this one is in time warp condition. It drives beautifully, thanks to Daniel Bachmann and his team for making it perfect. Oh, and Lola (his pug) is already excited about the road trips!”
The car is a black example complete with digital dash and quattro script fabric seat centers. Jonathan didn’t post the year or the spec, but based on the extended center console seen in the image with his dog Lola sitting in the driver’s seat, I’m guessing it’s a 20-valve.
Regardless of the motor spec, there’s no question the man has taste and this car proves it.
Alas, it’s not a Sport quattro. Given the price of those, he’ll probably need to bring a championship home to Ingolstadt before any bonuses cover the acquisition costs of one of the brand’s Group B homologation specials. Until then, this ur quattro fits the bill just fine.
Congratulations Jonathan. Follow him on Instagram HERE.