1972 Audi 60L Typ F103 – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
By 1972, the Audi 60L represented the final phase of Audi’s first modern post-war model family. Built on the F103 platform, it combined front-wheel drive with a longitudinal four-cylinder engine at a time when many competitors still relied on rear-wheel-drive layouts. The Audi 60L signaled how Audi was steadily rebuilding its technical identity within the Volkswagen Group.
Technical Details
The 1972 Audi 60L belonged to the F103 series, introduced in 1965 as the first Audi models developed under Volkswagen ownership. The “60” designation referred to the engine’s power output in metric horsepower (PS). The car was powered by a water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine with a displacement of approximately 1.7 liters (1,697 cc), derived from the Mercedes-originated “Mitteldruckmotor” concept further developed by Audi. Output was rated at 60 PS (DIN), delivered through a single carburetor.
The drivetrain followed a longitudinal front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The gearbox was mounted ahead of the engine, transmitting power to the front wheels — a configuration that would remain characteristic of Audi for decades. A four-speed manual transmission was standard.
Suspension consisted of independent front suspension with coil springs and wishbones, while the rear used a rigid axle located by leaf springs. Braking was handled by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, reflecting the increasing importance of improved stopping performance in the early 1970s. The engineering emphasis was on durability, predictable handling, and efficient packaging rather than sporting performance.
- Manufacturer: Audi
- Model Name: Audi 60L (Typ F103)
- Year of Manufacturing: 1968–1972
Design
The Audi 60L shared its body structure with the broader F103 family, which included the Audi 60, 75, and Super 90 variants. The design followed a restrained, three-box sedan format with clean, horizontal lines. By 1972, the styling appeared conservative compared with more angular emerging trends, but it conveyed solidity and clarity.
The “L” designation indicated a better-equipped version (“Luxus”). Compared with the standard Audi 60, the 60L typically featured upgraded interior trim, additional chrome detailing, and improved comfort features. Large glass areas provided good visibility, and the upright proportions maximized interior headroom and usable cabin space.
Inside, the dashboard layout was functional and clearly arranged, with round instrumentation and logically positioned controls. Materials emphasized durability rather than decoration, consistent with Audi’s practical engineering philosophy of the period.
Historical Significance
The Audi F103 series marked the revival of the Audi brand name after a long hiatus. Following Volkswagen’s acquisition of Auto Union, the decision was made to reintroduce Audi as a separate brand positioned above Volkswagen. The F103 models were central to this strategy.
The Audi 60L, produced until 1972, represents the concluding stage of this first modern Audi generation. It bridged the gap between the early post-DKW two-stroke era and the more advanced Audi 80 (B1), introduced in 1972, which would bring fully modernized design and engineering concepts.
The F103 models helped establish Audi’s commitment to front-wheel drive in the mid-size segment. This layout, combined with progressively refined four-cylinder engines, laid the groundwork for the brand’s later technical developments and its upward market trajectory.
Quirks and Pop Culture
Unlike later Audi models associated with quattro technology or motorsport success, the Audi 60L Typ F103 is remembered for its transitional role. Its engine heritage — derived from an earlier Mercedes design adapted by Auto Union engineers — is a notable historical detail.
Enthusiasts often regard the F103 series as understated but historically important. Surviving examples are comparatively rare today, as many were used extensively as everyday transport. The Audi 60L reflects a period when Audi focused on engineering consolidation and brand reestablishment rather than bold performance statements.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at Motorworld Classics Bodensee in 2022. This event, held in Friedrichshafen, is a popular gathering for classic car enthusiasts in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The 2022 edition featured over 800 exhibitors spread across multiple halls and open-air spaces, offering a vibrant mix of vintage automobiles, motorcycles, boats, and aircraft. Visitors could explore restoration workshops, parts markets, and club presentations. A key highlight was the live vehicle auctions and dynamic driving demonstrations on the event grounds. The show reaffirmed its reputation as a hands-on celebration of classic mobility culture.
Conclusion
The 1972 Audi 60L Typ F103 stands at the end of Audi’s first modern revival chapter. Equipped with a 1.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 60 PS and a longitudinal front-wheel-drive layout, it combined conservative styling with forward-looking drivetrain engineering. As part of the F103 family, it played a key role in stabilizing and redefining Audi within the Volkswagen Group. Though modest in performance, the Audi 60 L represents a significant stepping stone in the evolution of Audi’s post-war identity.
