On Saturday I visited the exhibition area at Hellerudsletta. Volkswagen Audi Club Norwegen (VACN) had rented the large hall to exhibit member cars and celebrate 25 years.

What really happened 25 years ago?

The year is 1993 - the Golf III had been on the market for a good 2 years. Likewise Audi 80 (B4) and Audi 100 (C4). The only "novelty" this year was the Passat B4, - which was really nothing more than a facelifted B3.

Several of the cars from around 1993 were on display at the meeting at the weekend. Take, for example, the C4-based Audi S4 and 4,2 V8. The supercars of the time are still great driving machines. What's more, they look fantastic – even after 25 years. Basically, I think the is an important factor in why so many of these cars are still rolling.

Audi 80B4

It's easy to forget how good Audi looked in the days before the mono frame grill was launched. The Audi 80 Competition is a rather rare special model of the Audi 80 B4. The most eye-catching are the fog lights in the bumper and the factory-fitted rear spoiler. The standard engine in this model was the 2,0E 16V 140 HP, 5-speed manual transmission and Quattro. According to the factory's specifications, 0-100 should go away in 9,8 seconds. A real dad racer in the 90s!

Another B4 that caught my eye was a yellow convertible with Audi's 5-cylinder 2,3-liter. The great sound from this engine goes well with the roof down.

Potent C4s

For approx. 25 years ago, it was the Audi C4 that ignited my interest in VACN's cars. In 1994, you could choose between two steering wheels, - one with a large cushion and airbag, or a more sporty steering wheel without an airbag, - but with Audi's Procon-Ten system which automatically tightened the belts and moved the steering wheel out of the impact zone. My C4 had airbag, air conditioning, automatic and 2,6 V6. I can say with my hand on my heart that a 1994 Audi 2,6 in new car condition would still be better to drive than many of today's sensible family cars.

I don't know which C4 would top the list of supercars. Audi S4 with the 5-cylinder 2,2 liter turbo engine? – or Audi's V8 4,2 litres? Both were posted at Hellerud. I remember how impressive it was to open the hood of my 2,6 and see the decorative plastic cover. But the 4,2 engine is the icing on the cake - not least visually.

I remember that the 2,6 liter emitted quite a lot of heat in the engine compartment and sincerely hoped that the engineers had provided adequate heat protection for the electronics in the gearbox. I guess the 4,2 liter puts out even more heat. It also adds more weight to the front - and early 4,2-litres didn't have the world's best reputation for durability.

V8 versus smaller engine with turbo gives different driving experiences. Today, I might think that I would have chosen the 2,2 liter ... although that is only a hypothetical question.

RS4

I also stop at an RS4. They came in 2001. The roughest Audi at the time. Only available as Avant. Mechanically, it was a 2,7 liter V6 biturbo petrol 381 HP. I check used RS4 on Finn.no. Here, prices start at 300 for B000-based cars and quickly shoot upwards towards 4. Supercars for those who understand what this is.

Audi 80B1

Identity. I have written about the Audi 80 B1 before – The car that gave Audi its identity. Audi's roots were DKW and NSU, - and early Audis bore the stamp of DKW. Audi's new form was presented in the autumn of 1972. The model on display is a facelifted model with an upgraded front and the then new 1600 engine with 85 horses. The owner had made a nice exhibition with the original sales brochure and equipment that motorists liked to have with them in the 70s.

Golf II

The model in the picture is a 1986 model. At 32 years old, it has long since become a veteran car. When I see the car, I don't think veteran. It looks modern. A car you can take out on the road without anyone raising an eyebrow. Had we replaced it with competitors of the time – the Ford Escort XR3 or the Opel Astra GSI – I think the associations with vintage cars would have been stronger.

Golf convertible

For one reason or another, no convertible based on the Golf II was ever made. The Golf I-based cabriolet was first replaced with the Golf III. I wonder where Karmann, who built the cabriolets, got hold of Golf I bodies in the period from 1984 to 1993, - while the factory in Wolfsburg and elsewhere was busy producing the Golf II?

Several cars from the Volkswagen group

Bærum Radio Service

I imagine the following commercial from the early 60s.
- Who should you call if your television does not work as it should?
- Bærum Radio Service in Sandvika, of course!

This car was a local forest wreck. It was towed in, fixed up and registered. Incredibly. Because it had been lying on its side (other side than the one shown in the picture). This is completely brown and holey after prolonged contact with the forest floor. The car is not only authentic. It is also naturally patinated.

A great exhibition object and local history.

The cars on the outside

The majority of the visiting cars were understandably from the Volkswagen Group. I took pictures of three cars that stood out a little - in a positive way. Click on the images to see them in a larger format.

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