2005 Audi TT Quattro Sport

Highlights

• One of 800 TT Quattro Sports produced for the UK market
• Subtly and tastefully upgraded to OEM+ specification
• Stage 2 tune good for 280+ hp and new cambelt last year
• KW coilovers and Brembo brakes
• Excellent condition inside and out

Overview

The mark 1 TT caused quite a stir at launch and is now widely recognised as a design classic. Introduced with turbocharged four cylinder engines, a V6 was added to the range which brought a little more luxury. Later the four cylinder Quattro Sport was introduced as a limited run special to show what could be achieved with a more focussed approach to performance.

The deletion of the rear seats and installation of Recaro buckets resulted in a reported weight loss of around 75kg, while the turbocharged four banger was tuned up to 240hp and the bodykit of the V6 was appropriated to add some visual aggression. Numbers in the UK were limited to just 800, making this something of a rarity.

However, that special status wasn’t enough for the keepers of this example who have sought to improve on the recipe with an “OEM plus” philosophy, while also making sure that the original parts have been maintained to the highest standard.

As a result, this Phantom Black car may look relatively standard but now includes some notable developments and is in rude health both mechanically and cosmetically. On the performance front, the engine has received a stage 2 tune taking the output to somewhere in the 280-290hp range, the suspension has been fully polybushed and KW coilovers installed and the brakes have been upgraded front and rear.

Inside, the Recaro Pole Position seats have been refurbished, a retrimmed steering wheel installed and some additional gauges have been discreetly installed. Almost everywhere you look on the car, there are subtle improvements and yet it’s all stayed true to the design aesthetic of the original. The result is a TT that promises to be even more focussed than the Quattro Sport which was the start point and yet retains the appeal of the base car.

With recent attentions from a marque specialist that included a new cambelt and water pump, this is going to be a very special car for its next owner.

History and documentation

• Registered 3 Sep 2005 (which makes for cheaper road tax)
• Full document pack and large collection of invoices
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Feb 2008 @37,046 miles, Feb 2012 @53,877 miles, Jan 2014 @62,847 miles, Mar 2015 @75,041 miles, Mar 2022 @89,029 miles, Apr 2023 @94,387 miles
• The seller tells us that he’s used resected specialist The Phirm for servicing and that the Mar 2022 service included the replacement of both ABS brake pressure sensors, that both front top mounts and the rear brake calipers were replaced in Jul 2022, that the air conditioning was re-gassed in Jul 2022 and continues to blow ice cold and that a new Yuasa battery was fitted in Jul 2023 with a five year warranty
• KW V1 coilover suspension kit fitted Jul 2023
• The most recent service in Apr 2023 included the replacement of the cambelt and water pump, new spark plugs and a gearbox oil change
• Two keys
• Current MOT expires 27 Oct 2024
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• When you open the door, you’re greeted with the familiar sight of the attractive and well-screwed-together TT dashboard but it’s the lightweight Recaro Pole Position seats that really grab your attention
• The seats are finished in black leather and have reportedly been refurbished by Recaro themselves with new OEM Alcantara inserts, cushions and reconditioned leather
• They certainly look the part and there’s a welcome splash of colour from the the reds in the manufacturer’s name emblazoned on the side, the seat belts, the centre marker on the retrimmed square-bottomed steering wheel (original also available) and, not forgetting, the fire extinguisher
• Concealed under the TT-branded bruised aluminium cover is an aftermarket Bluetooth stereo, though the original stereo (with code) is also available
• There are some other choice modifications, too: a TT Shop OEM centre leather armrest with badger5 extension, a Quattro detailed aftermarket alloy parcel shelf and a multi-function gauge that’s neatly installed in the right hand air vent slot
• On the dash, the Instrument cluster has been refurbished to eliminate dead pixel issue (with a lifetime warranty) and no warning lights are displayed with the engine running
• All the usual Quattro Sport refinements are present and reportedly work just as they should: the Driver Information System, climate control, electric windows, and mirrors
• Condition-wise, everything is in excellent order, including the headlining which shows no marks or sagging, the door cards, carpets and OEM mats
• In the boot, the original cargo net is in place with OEM TT fastenings
• Overall, the cabin has been impeccably maintained and nicely upgraded and is now in very good order

Exterior

• The Quattro Sport borrowed the bodykit from its V6-engined sibling, and adds a more aggressive element to the iconic TT shape
• Thanks to a machine polish and ceramic coating in January, this car presents beautifully and the Phantom Black pearl paint is said to really pop in the sun
• An all-black is aesthetic is completed with wheels that have been colour-matched to the bodywork, black exhaust tips and xenon headlights with custom black inserts
• The bodywork shows no damage that we can see with no dents, scratches, chipping to paint or rust visible, and the panel gaps match all round
• The windows are free from any noticeable scratches, and the seals and trims are in excellent condition, which the seller reports result in no wind noise
• 18-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels have been refurbished and are in very good condition with  Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres all round, 2022 dot stamped and said to have covered 3,500 miles with healthy amounts of even tread remaining
• In all, it’s a real credit to its current and former keepers

Mechanical

• 1,781cc turbocharged four cylinder rated at 240hp as standard but here with a stage 2 tune by Tuning Technics that takes power up to an estimated 280-290hp
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Four-wheel drive
• The vendor has had numerous upgrades carried out, with an OEM+ ethos, that he tells us includes the following: Mad_DP full custom turbo back exhaust system (which the vendor describes as a work of art), 550cc Bosch injectors, upgraded twin Direnza intercoolers (left and right), Badger 5 80mm turbo intake pipe with custom large feed Ramair Proram air filter,  CB Auto gear slop bush linkage with short shift, GFV uprated diverter valve and PCV delete with custom Stealth oil catch can, 10mm phenolic inlet gasket, custom oil dipstick and holder
• We’re also told that the car has received a Brembo GT front brake upgrade with braided lines, Godspeed 2-piece 330mm c hook discs and Brembo HP2000 pads and, at the rear, a  CB Auto 2-piece brake disc/rotor conversion with 300mm Wilwood c hook rotors and Ferodo DS2500 pads
• The suspension has seen KW V1 adjustable coilovers fitted in 2023 and the seller reports that it’s fully polybushed from front to back, has CB Auto upper and lower rear control arms and Eibach upgraded anti roll bars (26mm front and 24mm rear)
• There are also some original parts including headlights, radio, turbo intake pipe, and stock engine pipework, available by separate negotiation
• Note that the exhaust does not currently have a catalytic converter fitted
• There is one minor item that the vendor tells us needs attention: the engine under tray has come slightly loose on one side and requires new bolts
• The owner reports that the car starts without hesitation and drives with progressive power delivery and without any untoward noises coming from the engine, though there is a deep rumble from the custom exhaust
• The short throw shifter and bushings reportedly make for a great driving experience, while the suspension is said to be tight and compliant, with no knocks or bangs from either end of the car
• The uprated Brembo brakes reported to bring the car to a halt in a straight line with no juddering through the pedal or pad squeal
• The car received attention from the specialists at The Phirm a little under 2k miles ago, including a fresh cambelt and water pump and, while it may be prudent to treat it to an oil change in the near future, it appears to be in rude health 

Summary

With the Quattro Sport, Audi sharpened the TT with less weight, more power and a more driver-focussed interior. This car takes that a step further with numerous performance upgrades, while also ensuring that the underlying appeal of Audi quality and design hasn’t been lost. With lots of money spent in recent years, and beautifully presented inside and out, it should be a real gem for the new owner.

Non-concierge cars: To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Bagshot, Surrey.