Here was one of the more interesting cars we saw at the Monterey Historics, an Audi 200 Quattro used in the Trans-AM series. In the 1988 season which it was entered, the Audi dominated the series winning 9 out of the 13 races on the roster and failed placing podium only twice. After the '88 season had ended, AWD was banned and Audi moved onto IMSA's GTO class with the newer 90 Quattro. You know you've done things right when they change the rules to kick you out.

This car's dominance in Trans-AM would only be a taste of things to come as these were still the early years of Audi's road-racing experience. Even when they would eventually drop their AWD platforms for the sake of abiding series regulations, they knew how to put together a properly running vehicle, an efficient and determined team, and spot some of the best drivers around.

That's not to say that the cars didn't have their own personalities. Coming straight from the Group B monster, this highly boosted 5 cylinder has a very distinct sound and will definitely be remembered as one of motorsport's great engines.

Another distinct quality is the extremely loud chirps of the blow-off valves. Sure nowadays they're associated with obnoxious Subaru & Evo owners looking to race anyone they can agitate. But back in the 80's, turbocharging was a big deal (I mean, look at what Ferrari & Porsche put out that decade) and to hear the wooshing and chirping over the roaring V8's from the rest of the field was something special to experience.

And let's not forget those amazing BBS turbofan wheels that were all the rage. They're still super cool to see, with or without the mesh designs on top.

May not be as legendary as it's successor, the Audi 90 Quattro, but with those wide hips and that ultra-German livery, it's still an icon all of it's own.