AUDI RS4 QUATTRO AVANT, 2001
Conceived and built before Audi lost its way with their RS series of cars, mass producing them for a willing market, the original RS4 (B5) Quattro Avant was a limited production motor car, essentially hand-built by quattro GmbH, Audi’s high performance subsidiary, in its own, separate factory and with the engine hand-built in the UK by Cosworth. Production lasted just 18 months, and resulted in just 300 cars being built in RHD form for the UK market. All were pre-sold.
A car the likes of which we are unlikely ever to see again, if there was a faster, more surefooted, more entertaining and chicer way to convey four adults, their luggage and their skis (in the optional ski bag which this example has) from Kensington to Gstaad, I’d like to see it.
Inevitably values are following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the RS2, whilst at the same time the supply of unmodified, unmolested, limited owner and sensible mileage examples (out of the 300!) has reduced to less than a trickle.
Limited, hand-built production, and one of the most capable cars ever constructed, the perfect marriage of Audi’s sublime Cosworth re-worked engine and Quattro technology.
*****
With so few UK cars originally, finding one worth buying now, twenty-odd years later, is not easy.
How many have only ever been serviced within the Audi Main Dealership network, avoiding so-called RS specialists (there are only a couple in this country actually worthy of the name)?
How many have had as few as one previous owner?
How many are not only immaculate and unmodified but are essentially original also?
How many were specified from new with almost every Factory option?
*****
This car was supplied new by Scotts Audi (Victoria Audi), 27 Eccleston Place, London SW1 and registered to its first owner on 14th May 2001. Remaining in this ownership for seven years, the car was acquired by its second owner in March 2008. The car has not changed hands since.
Having now covered a total of 108,000 miles, servicing has been carried out as follows:
PDI; 10.04.01 Audi
9,774 miles 23.01.02 Victoria Audi
18,490 miles 31.07.03 Victoria Audi
27,674 miles 01.04.05 Victoria Audi
39,669 miles 28.02.08 Poole Audi
45,115 miles 04.09.08 Stratford-upon-Avon Audi
50,875 miles 24.03.09 Stratford-upon-Avon Audi
59,251 miles 25.03.10 Stratford-upon-Avon Audi
63,291 miles 30.11.10 Stratford-upon-Avon Audi
64,801 miles 17.05.11 Stratford-upon-Avon Audi
67,404 miles 20.03.12 Stratford-upon-Avon Audi
70,825 miles 22.03.13 Stratford-upon-Avon Audi
75,818 miles 27.03.14 Parklands Audi
78,492 miles 02.04.15 Cheltenham Audi
83,640 miles 30.03.16 Cheltenham Audi
87,693 miles 31.03.17 Cheltenham Audi
98,886 miles 18.04.19 Truro Audi
All of these services are naturally stamped in the original service schedule booklet, but there is also a comprehensive file containing original invoices detailing the scope of the work carried out. The above list does also not include any additional works carried out as required over the years, with invoices for additional visits also being present.
The original black leather ‘RS4’ embossed driver’s pack contains all the books and handbooks with which the car was first supplied, including RS4 specific supplements. Both keys are supplied.
The RS4 is shortly due a service (but not overdue) and this will be included within the purchase price at the Audi Dealership of the new owner’s choosing. Recent non-scheduled works include new brake discs and pads all round and new fuel pump.
*****
Despite being an expensive car when new, a range of additional cost options were available; this car was specified with full black leather Recaro seats, with front seats electrically operated and heated. Rarely seen Piano black dashboard and door cappings. Audi Navigation System Plus. TV tuner, 6-cd stacking unit, Bose hi-fi. Centre armrest to the front seats. Internal ski bag in the rear centre armrest. Cruise control. Auto dimming interior rear view mirror. Auto dimming and heated twin exterior mirrors. Headlamp wash system. Xenon headlamps. Electric tilt / slide sunroof.
BODYWORK & PAINTWORK
Pleasingly, the vast majority of the paintwork appears to be Factory original. However, I have had the front air dam, the rear apron and the two side sill extensions perfectly refinished due to the inevitable smattering of stone chips which these polyurethane sections attract. With the original paint in a highly polished and almost flawless state of presentation, it is almost impossible to fault the bodywork.
WHEELS & TYRES
The car remains on its original 18” alloy wheels, which are presented in Audi’s optional Platinum finish. The wheels show no sign of kerbing or other damage and are best described as unmarked.
They are as clean on the inside as they are on the outside and are shod with a matching set of correct Continental tyres, each showing approximately 6mm of evenly worn tread.
INTERIOR
The Recaro interior is trimmed in the optional full black leather and has the rarely optioned piano black dashboard and door cappings. Wholly original throughout, and having obviously been treated very carefully over the years, the interior belies its age.
BOOT AREA
Again, 100% original, immaculate and complete with its unused toolkit, warning triangle, jack, tyre compressor and first aid kit. Multi-cd player, cellphone, GPS and TV black boxes, Bose amplifier etc. are in the concealed side compartments.
ENGINE BAY
100% original and in exceptionally clean, well maintained condition.
*****
Make no mistake, unmodified and hugely original examples of this calibre and provenance rarely come to the open market. The car may be considered exceptional in all respects.
PRICE
£ SOLD
The car is presently UK registered and enjoys tax free passage within the EU. It is supplied with a UK registration document and current MoT test certificate.
