1993 Audi Cabriolet – Project Profile

We love a project here at Car & Classic, we own several, and we know you feel the same because our Project Profile features are some of the most popular on the magazine. Having just searched our classifieds using the keyword “project” to unearth the next rags to potential riches candidate in the series, 795 adverts were displayed. That’s almost 800 opportunities for you to find something cool, have some fun, learn some new skills, make it your own and possibly make money. Sticking some off-the-shelf Halfords paint on an old Mini and changing the wheels isn’t going to bag you the big bucks, of course not. What we’re trying to say is that there is so much potential within this site to discover a diamond in the rough. Whether for your own enjoyment or to fix up and sell on, there are myriad motors to mend and if you take our editor Chris Pollitt’s advice (and you really should because he knows what he’s talking about) then this Audi Cabriolet could be just the ticket.

If the ’80s was the battleground for peppy hatchbacks then the ’90s was trench warfare for the executive saloon. BMW led the way with its excellent range of 3 and 5 series cars but compatriots Audi were always in the fight, refusing to throw in the towel, take a knee or tap out. The Audi 80, a rival to BMW’s 3 series, is one such example, with the Cabriolet joining the ranks in 1991. Alongside the 3 Series and the likes of the Saab 900 drop-tops the Cabriolet (Audi’s first since the Auto Union 1000 Sp, before it was even known as Audi) did away with ugly roll bars, achieving its structural rigidity instead by utilising a re-enforced windscreen.

Over the course of its nine year production run the Audi Cabriolet was available with a host of engines; a 2.3-litre five-cylinder, 1.8 and 2.0-litre four-cylinders, and 2.6 and 2.8-litre V6s. A lot of choice then. It was and still is a good looking car and plenty fast enough, especially when fitted with the larger, six-cylinder engines. Well-built and resistant to rust it’s a burgeoning modern classic and if the equivalent BMWs are anything to go by could represent a wise investment.

What is it? 

This particular Audi Cabriolet is a 1993 model with the 10-valve, 2.3-litre inline-five engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. It’s a running and driving car that has covered the best part of 85,000 miles that is now in need of some recommissioning work to bring it back to its former convertible glory. At only £1,200 it could be a bit of a bargain, depending on how much recommissioning work is involved but seeing as this is one of our new Verified Listings there are a lot more photographs to pore over compared to a standard classified advert, giving a much more rounded impression of the state of the car.

Why is it a project? 

Judging by said photos this car is far from a basket case, at least aesthetically speaking, although it does appear to have been left standing outside for a while, evidenced by the state of the bodywork. It doesn’t look rusty it’s just the bird droppings and other detritus, which we’re sure would clean off just fine. As mentioned it is running and driving and had a valid MOT up until June this year, which is encouraging, but the brakes are stuck on and there are a few other issues to sort, which we’ll get to.

Five things to look for:

1) Engine

The 133bhp 2.3 five-cylinder is the rarest of the bunch offered in the Audi Cabriolet which also makes it one of the most desirable. Its a wonderfully raspy affair but it can suffer from valve-lifter problems caused by bunged up oil pathways. The car should pull well in all gears so if there’s is a noticeable sluggishness to proceedings this could be the issue. Regular timing chain replacement is imperative too so check that this has been done. Alternatively, factor the cost of a new one into the price.

2) Bodywork and roof

These cars were built properly, with plenty of rust-proofing from the factory and as a result corrosion is generally a non-issue. As touched on earlier, however, this particular car may have spent a while outside exposed to the elements. Carry out the usual due diligence but also check the windscreen and door seals for deterioration. The door trims are lifting and new roof seals are included in the sale which may be an indicator of previous water ingress so check the boot for any signs of damp or rust. Not only are the plastic rear windows susceptible to hazing but the advert states that the hood’s release mechanism is faulty and that the roof itself is beginning to look tired so a complete replacement may be on the cards.

3) Suspension

Due to the need for increased rigidity to allow for the absence of a roof, the Audi Cabriolet was significantly strengthened to cope and as such it’s a heavy car. This puts a lot of strain on the suspension so inspect all of the joints and bushes for wear and pay attention to any knocks or rattles when driving. Replacements are easy to source but if any of the major suspension components are compromised expect a hefty bill. Uneven tyre wear will also be a good indicator.

4) Interior

The full cream leather interior looks pretty good on the whole. The font seats would benefit from some conditioning but there don’t appear to be any rips or tears. A full valet should see it all back to form but there is mention of headlining issues and those after market rear speakers have got to go! Spare trim is included to rectify this but it’s cloth, not leather. Check that all of the electrics work, especially the heater as these are known to fail.

5) History

It would seem that there is limited history with the car with the service stamps drying up after ’97 but a quick look on the DVLA website shows a fairly mundane schedule of past, and indeed passed MOTs. There is nothing here that scares us, just the usual, innocuous issues such as handbrake inefficiencies, worn bushes and excessive emissions.

What should you do with it? 

This is a prime candidate for a simple refresh. It doesn’t appear bad enough to warrant a full restoration and aside from any major mechanical works should be a fairly straightforward renewal. Ensure the car runs and drives properly first, then treat it to a full interior and exterior valet and paint correction. All of that, coupled with a brand new roof and a fresh set of original wheels should see this Audi Cabriolet back to its best, or as near as damn it. For such a small initial investment it would make a cracking project and if it was good enough for Princess Diana… Come on, did you really think you were going to get away without us mentioning it?