Audi’s third generation A8 was the biggest in a model range of ‘Russian Doll’ type cars, all similar in appearance but variable in size, and the second to be constructed of aluminium.
The company pioneered alloy construction in the executive market, using a patented aluminium spaceframe onto which all the outer panels were fixed. All the outer body panels were alloy, too.
The A8 was a car that was thoroughly aligned with the cut and thrust of the modern executive car park. It was bold and imposing, with a low-slung profile that made a significant feature of the wheels, which sat within fat arches that gave the car a wide and purposeful stance - a paragon of German efficiency, and a much neater and tidier alternative to the controversial ‘flame-sided’ BMW 7-Series of the day.
Today, the features that gave the A8 such appeal 20 years ago still stand true. It may not be the technological tour de force that it once was, but the A8 is nevertheless a wonderful car to drive, supremely well-equipped and beautifully engineered, and never better value for money than right now.
This one is a 4.2 Quattro, the most popular petrol variant with a lively 330bhp V8 and a Tiptronic transmission. Originally an Audi UK car, used as part of its internal chauffeur and VIP fleet, the car has been in the custody of its second owner from 2006 to 2023 and was main dealer serviced until 2021.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
PDI completed in September 2003 by Audi Fleet Service of Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire, but not registered until June 2004
Originally part of Audi’s demonstrator/chauffeur fleet
Purchased in March 2006 by a private buyer in Suffolk who kept the car until 2023, having it serviced annually (and often at great cost) by Ipswich Audi
PDI Audi Audi UK at 26.10.05 at 7,388
Audi Ipswitch at 30.05.07 at 16,394
Audi Ipswitch at 04.02.09 at 31,543
Audi Ipswitch at 17.07.09 at 35,583
Audi Ipswitch at 05.1.11 at 44,639
Audi Ipswitch at 05.10.12 at 50,688
Audi Ipswitch at 10.03.14 at 55,495
Audi Ipswitch at 13.11.14 at 57,403
Audi Ipswitch at 09.09.15 at 59,756
Audi Ipswitch at 26.01.17 at 63,136
Audi Ipswitch at 17.09.18 at 72,607
Audi Ipswitch at 04.02.20 at 80,984
Audi Ipswitch at 03.06.21 at 85,080
UK V5C
MOT July 2023
Current mileage of just over 90k
Service book stamped by main dealers up to 85,080 miles in June 2021
Independently maintained since with two service invoices
Superbly presented in very good condition throughout
Excellent driver’s side seat bolster
Pop-up sat nav/infotainment system with vehicle settings, all in good working order
Paddle-shift Tiptronic gear selectors
Original first aid kit in rear armrest
THE EXTERIOR
Light Silver Metallic
17-inch six-spoke alloys – very good condition with light kerb marks
Matching Goodyear Vector tyres all-round
No panel damage and largely good paint
Light scuffs to both rear arches
Both inner rear light clusters are cracked and require replacement (reversing light housing) but does not affect legality or MOT
THE MECHANICS
4.2-litre V8
330bhp
Quattro all-wheel-drive system
Six-speed Tiptronic automatic with shifter and paddle controls
Very well maintained all its life, mostly main dealer
Described by vendor as in excellent working condition and sold with no known faults
SUMMARY
Executive cars of the early to mid-2000s were fabulous machines, developed as much to show off a manufacturer’s capabilities to its rivals as much as they were to win over customers.
Technological masterpieces, engineered like nothing before, they’re now a hugely booming part of the modern classic scene and the Audi A8 deserves to be heled in the same high esteem as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Jaguar XJ8, both of which have developed a fanatical following.
A car with great pedigree and history, the best engine and a lovely specification, this one is very much a future classic.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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