The missing Audi mid-engined coupé from the seventies
The description sounds as if there had already been a predecessor to the current Audi R8 in 1973. At that time, all Audi cars still had four-cylinder engines on the front axle. But Pietro Frua presented a mid-engined coupé on his stand in Geneva in 1974, which had the engine in front of the rear axle and the Audi brand logo on the front.
The car was briefly described on page 3 of Automobil Revue 14/1974:
"Yet another Italian designer has provided a novelty for Geneva: Pietro Frua. The four rings on his metallic gray, low mid-engine coupé suggest Audi. In fact, the engine of the Audi 100 is hidden behind the two body-hugging seats in a space separated by a bulkhead.
The interior is very spacious in its width, and the Audi instruments are located in front of the driver. The exterior shapes of this well-designed coupé are reminiscent of a Citroën- or Fiat-based body exhibited by Frua in Geneva in the two previous years.
There is a surprisingly spacious trunk in the rear, and there is also room for a few pieces of luggage under the hood."
But where is this car today? It seems to have disappeared from the face of the earth; even industry experts and historians are unable to name the whereabouts of this interesting coupé. But perhaps our readers know more? Hence the question here: Does anyone know this coupé and its whereabouts?
You can read more about Pietro Frua and his wonderful designs in a detailed report.
