Though it wasn’t stated in as many words, the announcement of the TT Iconic Edition did feel very much like a farewell for the Audi coupe. Perhaps there’ll be a Final Edition as well, though it’s hard to imagine where the TT goes from a 100-unit production run of 400hp cars that cost £87,650 in the UK. This really looks like the end of the line for this generation of TT (which has been around since 2014) and for the model line generally, which will celebrate a quarter of a century in 2023.
If another Audi sports car comes (and that’s a very big ‘if’, given how few sell) then it will be electric. And, if we’re all honest with ourselves, probably be some kind of two-door SUV thing that might carry over the TT name. A very different kind of TT, basically. Which, even if it’s never been the world’s favourite sports car, seems something of a shame. The demise of two-door two-seaters that look as good as the TT always has is not a reality to be celebrated.
Still, the end of an era does rather encourage some wistful reminiscing, so here’s a very rare Mk1 TT plucked from the classifieds. That isn’t a typo, either; despite bazillions of originals being sold between the late 1990s and mid 2000s, certain specs were undoubtedly less common that others. This is one of them, a top-of-the-range 3.2 quattro coupe, with the six-speed manual gearbox.
Doesn’t exactly sound out of the ordinary, but don’t forget that big V6 launched in 2003 with what was then the new fangled DSG gearbox. It revolutionised automatic transmissions, and certainly played to the TT’s strengths as a fast, stylish cruiser rather than all-out sports car. Look for a V6 now and it’s the dual-clutch cars you’ll see most of. Which is fine, because it’s preferable to 20-year-old torque converter tech, but those early DSGs didn’t have the best reputation. And if buying a TT now as an occasional car, the added interaction of a manual will surely hold some sway.
On top of the six-speed, this TT 3.2 has the added benefit of some smart BBS split rim wheels and cream (or is it yellow?) leather that further lifts what remains a very stylish interior. Inevitably there’s some wear, because it’ll be 18 years old next year, but the TT still cuts a dash. 64,000 miles isn’t many, either.
With an MOT until May and a recent service including the Haldex, there shouldn’t be much for a new owner to shell out for immediately. Apart from the fuel, of course, though the sound will ensure you soon forget all about that. And there’s not much to pay for the car in the first instance: it’s £7,995. Sure, there are 1.8s around for less money that’ll be just as fast, but they won’t sound anywhere near as good. Consider instead that there are already lower mileage, DSG cabrios out there for anything up to £15k and this coupe looks like really keen value. Don’t forget about the Golf R32, either, with which the Audi shares so much - a car of comparable mileage and age to the TT could be £20k. So don’t celebrate the Audi TT with an £88k one that looks way too expensive - try the £8,000 V6 that’s even cheaper than a VW Golf…
SPECIFICATION | AUDI TT 3.2 V6
Engine: 3,179cc, V6
Transmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 250@6,300rpm
Torque (lb ft): 236@2,800rpm
MPG: 27
CO2: 254g/km
Year registered: 2005
Recorded mileage: 64,000
Price new: £29,745 (2004 DSG)
Yours for: £7,995
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