Highlights
- Just 4 owners from new
- Rare manual gearbox
- Registered in Italy
The Appeal
Launched in 1988, Audi’s V8 was the pinnacle of the range and predates the ‘A’ prefix naming convention which would see its successors branded the A8. Although generally found with an automatic gearbox, this example has the rare five speed manual ‘box mated to Audi’s Quattro four wheel drive system, making for an intriguing combination. Registered in Italy, it was with the first owner from 1991 to 2007 and to this day has seen only 4 owners.
With a service book that shows a full main dealer history up to 2001 and most recently serviced 150km ago, it’s been well looked after, which is reflected in its condition. While it’s true that there are a number of cosmetic items to be addressed to bring it fully back to its former glory, the car is very usable in the meantime and would make for a rare modern classic daily, or something to enjoy at the weekends. So if you fancy a slice of peak ‘Vorsprung Durch Technik’ nineties teutonic luxobarge, then get bidding now.
The History and Paperwork
- Registered new in Italy on 30 April 1991 with the following options as described by the seller:
- 4C2 = 2 swivel seats w/ longitudinal adjustm. on rail system
- G15 = Front shock
- N0K = Leather seat covering
- X4C = National sales program Italy
- G0G = 5-speed manual transmission for four-wheel drive vehicle
- H0Q = Tires 205/55 R 16 91H black
- L0L = Left-hand drive vehicle
- M7W = 8-cyl. gasoline engine 3.6 L/184 kW closed-loop catalytic converter base engine is T7H
- C3J = Cast alloy wheels 6J x 15 offset 38 (1J0 601 025 Q)
- 1C1 = Antifreeze up to -25 degree celsius tolerance up to -30 degree C
- 1G3 = Alloy spare wheel with original equipment tires
- 1MD = Leather steering wheel
- 3AF = Right exterior mirror: convex, electrically adjustable and heated
- 3BE = Left exterior mirror: flat, electrically adjustable and heated
- 3Y0 = Without roll-up sun screen
- 4A3 = Seat heater for front seats separately controlled
- 4GH = Windshield in heat-insulating glass with sunshield
- 5K1 = Paint preservative (wax)
- 6A0 = Without fire extinguisher
- 6R2 = Leather gearshift boot
- 8AV = Radio
- With the first owner to 2007
- Full main dealer history to 2001
- Last serviced April 2021 and limited mileage since
- Comprehensively valeted
- Full set of owner’s manuals
- Registered in Italy
The Interior
- Black leather
- Walnut trim
- Generous specification
As the predecessor to the A8, this was Audi’s flagship model and, as such, came with a comprehensive set of standard equipment including climate control, Bose sound system and cruise control to name but a few items. The luxury feel that you would expect from the highest ranking car in the range is provided by leather seats, walnut trim, woven wool carpets and a level of fit and finish that means that the cabin still looks well screwed together over thirty years later.
After a thorough valet, it’s come up looking rather lovely, too. The driver’s seat shows some patina and the gear knob shows some wear but the rest of the cabin has worn remarkably well for the car’s age and mileage. Further testament to Audi’s build quality comes from the fact that everything still works, too, though a slight negative is that the accelerator pedal has gone astray, though it can still be operated. Back in the boot, it’s all clean and tidy and the original tool kit is all present.
The Exterior
- Pearl effect Opal paintwork
- Straight bodywork
- A few minor cosmetic issues
With styling clearly inspired by the contemporary Audi 100 and 200 but forging its own path, the V8 manages to look both understated and imposing at the same time to our eyes. In general, this example still presents very well with straight bodywork which the seller believes has received some paint at some stage during its life.
Look closer and the paintwork does show some scratches and stone chips and there are a number of cosmetic issues: there is a significant stone chip in the windscreen, the passenger side door mirror casing is broken, both corners of the front bumper are scuffed and the driver’s side indicator lens is broken. None detract from overall appearance too much though.
The wheels epitomise 90’s teutonic design and have come up very well, though the rears lack their centre caps. The tyres have good tread all round while the seller reports that the underside shows no signs of damage and only surface corrosion.
The Mechanics
- 3.6 litre V8 producing 247bhp
- Quattro four wheel drive
- Five speed manual gearbox
The engine bay is pristine and the vendor informs us that the car starts and drives just as it should, accelerating smoothly, changing up and down the box cleanly and with effective brakes to bring it to a halt. There are no reported leaks nor any smoking from the exhaust and no untoward noises while on the road. It would appear to have plenty of life left in it yet.
Summary
A modern classic with the rare combination of a V8 and a manual gearbox.
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