2005 Audi TT Quattro Sport 240

Highlights

• Limited-run Quattro Sport – this is number 77 of only 800 sold in the UK
• Revo stage 1 tune to 260hp
• Firmer suspension and improved weight distribution
• Model-specific two-tone paintwork
• Comprehensive service history

Overview

Were it not for the fact that Audi sold well over a quarter-of-a-million Mk1 Audi TTs, you might be forgiven for believing this to be the Bauhaus-inspired TT concept – the original that wowed the world at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show. And we say that because few cars make it from concept to production looking quite so true to the original vision – corrupted as they inevitably are by pesky, real-world matters, like safety legislation.

Not the Type 8N (the Mk1 TT’s official designation). No siree. It still looked oh-so-pure when it finally arrived in 1998, blending the conflicting themes of retroandmodern to a tee. Bloomin’ neat trick that. And then, just as now, by ‘eck it’s a pretty thing, isn’t it?

There were some styling tweaks, of course. For one, the production cars gained rear quarter windows but, if anything, they made it prettier still. Many of you will know, too, that it also grew a rear spoiler. That wasn’t about styling, mind. It was because the first batch of TTs had a little issue: they sort of fell over if you were less than smooth with your steering inputs.

That trait is long-sorted now, and there’s so much else to love: like the fact that despite its sexy looks, the TT isn’t in the least bit high-maintenance. Underneath those sexy drapes was dependability in droves. Why? Because it sat on Volkswagen’s PQ34 platform. This made it no more mercurial than a Mk4 Golf or Skoda Octavia, and the availability of parts and ease of maintenance is yet another reason why original TTs are such a popular modern classic today.

As we said at the start, Audi did churn them out somewhat, which is why this particular car is special. It isn’t just a Mk1 TT. Oh no, this is the limited-run Quattro Sport – the coupé-only special that arrived in 2005. It was a proper upgrade as well, boasting more power, sportier suspension, and a 49kg weight reduction over the regular 1.8 models – thanks to jettisoning the rear seats, parcel shelf and spare tyre. In short, the Quattro Sport was the sportiest TT you could buy at the time.

Sure, it used the 1.8-litre engine but that had been fettled. As a result, the Quattro Sport's seemingly teeny turbocharged four-pot packed a potent punch – at 240hp it was only 10hp shy of the naturally aspirated 3.2 V6 and here, shortly after taking ownership, the seller had the wick turned up further to 260bhp. Being 88kg lighter than the V6 the standard car was quicker off the mark, romping from zero to 62mph in a claimed 5.9 seconds (and the Revo map will likely better that), before sailing onto a limited top speed of 155mph.

This example is a proper, honest car. Sure, it has a few, mainly light, blemishes on the exterior, but that makes it a usable daily. Or a fine foundation for a light resto project, if that’s your thing. The main thing is it comes with plenty of service history, showing the care and attention it’s received over the years, and a very tidy interior.

History and documentation

• Limited-run model: one of only 800 UK-registered Audi TT Quattro Sports
• Registered 14 April 2005 – declared new at first registration
• In current ownership since 2017
• Mapped with a Revo stage 1 tune to 260hp in 2018
• Current mileage 90,462 miles (when photographed)
• Stamped service book with services up to and including November 2023 @ 90,247 miles
• Full document pack
• Large collection of invoices and old MOT certificates
• Two keys
• Current MOT expires 07 December 2024
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• The Mk1 TT’s interior is as retro-chic as the exterior – and still cuts the mustard today
• Audi Sport badging
• ‘TT’ aluminium sill kick plates
• Stubby gear lever, classic rubber gaiter and aluminium surround are among the signature Mk1 details
• Factory equipment includes electric windows, electric mirrors, heated seats, ESP, climate control, alarm and immobiliser, Audi Chorus head unit with BOSE speakers
• Overall the condition inside is very good
• The part-leather sports seats look super-comfortable and with only minor ageing – the driver’s seat bolster could use recolouring, for instance
• Rear-seat delete and rear cross brace was all part of the Quattro Sport upgrades
• There are some signs of use in the Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel and light scuffs of some of the silver trims, but nothing major as far as we can see
• Dashboard and door cars have no obvious defects
• The luggage compartment is in good condition and complete with stowage nets
• The owner says that all this car’s interior gizmos are working as they should – although the LED display is getting a ‘little tired’ but is functioning in the pics

Exterior

• The Quattro Sport was available in only five colours: Phantom Black, Mauritius Blue, Misano Red, or this car’s Avus Silver. All were distinguished by the Phantom Black contrasting roof and door mirrors
• Model-specific dark-coloured 18-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels look superb, but, being a ‘London’ car, the owner concedes the wheels have a few battle scars that need attending to
• Factory body kit mirrors the TT 3.2 V6 but with black tailpipes
• Red-painted brake calipers were another snazzy Quattro Sport addition
• This Quattro Sport’s in tidy overall condition for its age, but we’re not claiming it’s perfect – see the pics
• Up close there are imperfections dotted about: light scuffing on the front bumper, a little ding on the door and above the exhaust tailpipes, plus light alloy bubbling on the roof gutters
• The headlights are showing signs of misting but a quick machine polish would sort that out; meanwhile, the rest of the light lenses look tidy
• The windows look free of cracks – and notice the PH sticker in the front nearside quarter window…it points to this car being owned by the right sort of chap
• Underneath the car is described as in good condition

Mechanical

• 1,781cc, inline-four, turbocharged, 20-valve petrol
• Originally rated at 240hp @ 5,700rpm and 236lb ft @ 2,300-5,000rpm but here turned up to 260hp by a Revo map
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Front-mounted engine
• Quattro all-wheel drive
• Mk1 Audi TT 225hp brakes with red calipers
• The owner states that the battery was replaced recently
• No mechanical issues as far as we know – the owner says that this car ‘Goes brilliantly. Sounds great.’ and ‘Starts and stops really well.’
• We’re told the tyres are all in good condition
• The engine bay looks very tidy with no major issues evident from the pics

Summary

When it comes to Audi TTs, there are those that love ‘em and those that don’t – mainly because they’re a bit humdrum mechanically. But there are two reasons to not get bogged down in that sort of negativity: firstly, the Quattro Sport’s upgrades injected an extra layer of pizazz into the Mk1 TT’s dynamics; secondly, those VW Group underpinnings are the very reason these cars are so affordable to maintain compared with, say, a Porsche Boxster.

And this is a well-maintained example going by the servicing it’s had. Cosmetically it’s got a few marks here and there, but that just makes it a useable classic rather than a garage queen, but feel free to get titivating and turn it into a garage queen if you wish. Probably not a bad shout, too, bearing in mind the Mk1 TT’s growing classic status and the fact that this limited-edition Quattro Sport is one of the most desirable.

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 Highgate, London.