Descrição
PLEASE READ WHOLE ADVERT FOR AN IMPORTANT UPDATE.
Audi launched the B4 platform in 1991, with a clear objective to have a broader range to compete against the BMW 3 series, for the first time adding Estate and Cabriolet bodystyles. The Cabriolet was a fantastic success and outlived the other variants carrying on the same platform until 2001, no doubt due to its classic, clean lines.
This particular example is rare as it is equipped with the 2. 3 5-cylinder engine and a manual gearbox, only available for 2 years until the 2. 6 V6 replaced it. Many lamented the passing of the soulful 5 pot as this had been part of Audis differentiation for 15 years and formed the basis for the legendary UR quattro.
Famously, Princess Diana had a 1994 2. 3 Cabriolet which caused some consternation amongst the tabloid press with her being the first frontline Royal to choose a foreign car – clearly, she had impeccable taste in cars (black S1 Turbo anyone?).
Finished in eye catching Laser Red with contrasting Charcoal trim, this example really does look great in the flesh and regularly draws admiring glances and comments. The paintwork is in excellent condition and the wheels are freshly refurbished to a very high standard and shod with 4 brand new Pirelli tyres. Additionally, the hood is in remarkable condition as the previous owners had always garaged it and rarely used the car in poor weather.
The chassis condition is testament to Audis policy of galvanising their bodyshells (from the B3 onwards); it is absolutely solid and retains its original dusting of body colour over factory stone-chip protection which is all intact.
On the inside, the hard-wearing seats have stood the test of time well with no rips or significant wear. All the electrics work and all dash lights go out as they should. You are also struck by the simplicity of the design inside, it really is refreshing compared to some of its peers and indeed many newer cars.
The car starts first time and settles to an even idle, and it is a particularly quiet engine. Only when you prod the throttle do you get that lovely, sonorous warble from the 5 cylinders. Moving off, the clutch is light and bites well and the gears select positively. When on the move, the car drives as well as you might expect a car with 55, 000 miles on the clock – it is very impressive for a 25 year old car.
All the original handbooks are available along with the stamped service book and two original Audi keys. Old MOTs help to verify the mileage and the car has had a full service, including coolant, cambelt and tensioners so is ready to go.
These cars represent fantastic value at the moment as the market seems to be slow to recognise what an attractive modern classic they are, but this is unlikely to remain the case for long and this example must surely be one of the lowest mileage and best available.
UPDATE - we had this car for sale at £4500 but unfortunately we have subsequently discovered the car to be CAT C from 2010. A VIC check was done in 2011 and whatever repairs that were necessary were clearly done to a high standard as they certainly slipped under our radar. Whilst this clearly has a material change in value on the car, it doesn't detract from it still being one of the best on the market and will stand up to any inspection. Price reduced significantly to take this in to account.
