Audi TT Quattro Sport: Spotted
The original TT wasn't for everyone, but the limited edition run-out model has wider appeal
The Mk1 Audi TT has long been a divisive subject among car enthusiasts. Its simple design wasn't necessarily to everyone's taste, nor its habit of going very quickly in the most benign way possible (once its habit for spinning round and round very quickly had been corrected, of course). There are exceptions, though. The sight of the limited edition Quattro Sport, for example, which ought to have the car's critics doing their own version of an abrupt about face.
Tasked with fulfilling the first generation TT's potential in a run-out edition ahead of the Mk2's launch, the Quattro Sport stuck to a tried and tested formula: more power, less weight. Naturally, the job was handed over to the performance specialists at quattro GmbH who set about turning the 225hp put out by its 1.8-litre inline-four into 240hp, then bringing its 1,440kg curb weight down to 1,390kg by removing the rear seats, parcel shelf, spare tyre and climate control.
Additionally, they added a brace bar to increase torsional rigidity, fatter rear tyres to up the traction, relocated the battery to the back of the car to improve balance, and added stiffer, lower suspension to enhance the handling. To top it all off they wrapped it in the body kit from the range-topping V6 model, added a set of very pretty multi-spoke wheels, chucked some Recaro bucket seats inside, and painted the roof black.
The result was 0-62 in 5.9 seconds - a couple of tenths better than standard - and a limited top speed of 155mph. It wasn't just about the on paper performance, though, with both real world pace and driver engagement also greatly improved by quattro GmbH's modifications.
The ad for today's Spotted is rather lacking in detail, but the salient facts are all there. Just 64,000 miles makes this a remarkably fresh example, and a fiver under ten grand isn't an unreasonable valuation. The photos show it to be an immaculately preserved example, too, with the Misano Red paint still good as new and the interior, wheels and trim all apparently unscathed.
Only 800 examples were made for the UK market, with Howmanyleft estimating that just 574 remain. That rarity, combined with its reputation for being at the pointiest end of the Mk1 TT range, make it hard to imagine its values becoming much softer. Priced from £29,335 new, the Quattro Sport may not have depreciated to the same extent as standard TTs, then, but even at its current price it still represents arguably better value for money.
SPECIFICATION - AUDI TT QUATTRO SPORT
Engine: 1,781cc, 4-cylinder, turbocharged
Transmission: 6-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 240@5,700rpm
Torque (lb ft): 236@2,300-5,000rpm
MPG: 30.1
CO2: N/A
First registered: 2006
Recorded mileage: 64,000
Price new: £29,335
Yours for: £9,995
See the original ad here.
Also imho they weren't so bad to drive either. I had an early (but with ESP and spoiler) 225 Quattro for a weekend, and I thought it was quite good to drive.
Also a later FWD 180 I have driven very briefly has left a good impression with me. But then again, I'm no driving god and I didn't expect a razor sharp sports car!
If you throw some uprated ARB at it and fit decent suspension and rubber, they are even much better still. Basically you end up with a Quattro Sport, like the one spotted. If you want, you can even fit a performance Haldex module and end up with an more rear biased setup.
And since the 1.8T engine has great potential, you can end up with a very fast car indeed!
If I was going to buy a TT it would probably be the Mk2 TTs. Much faster than the Mk1 Sport, better all round package with rear seats and I've found for the same money as this TT Sport, a 2008 69,0000 miler on autotrader. Admittedly that car will depreciate further.
...alternatively, if you only need two seats, from 2004, how about a Porsche Boxster 3.2S Anniversary edition, 57,000 miles, £7850- Autotrader. No contest in my book! Or, a 2005 Nissan 350Z, one owner, 28,000 miles, only £5900.
Yep, makes this TT seem a tad expensive IMHO!!
Only 800 ever made too so really appealing.
The 1.8T was pretty reliable but it was over sensitive with nanny electronics that were unreliable and caused consistent power delivery problems from the engine. On top, the turbo hoses were brittle and it liked to eat a water pump or two, along with suspension bushes.
Times have moved on and this in my opinion isn’t special enough to lust for or kneel before, especially not for £10k. Even someone looking to modify it wouldn’t see north of 280hp without significant changes.
A buyer might not be interested in others (as I wasn't) and specifically wants this car - price is dictated by demand.
You could argue many classics that have become ridiculously expensive to buy - can be bettered for the same or less money. But thats of no interest to the owners.
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