A limited-edition 2005 Audi A4 is currently listed for sale on The Market auction platform.
This is not any old Audi compact saloon, however. Rather, it’s just one of the 250 examples of the A4 DTM Edition made for the UK.
The car has been part of Audi UK’s heritage fleet, and even spent a month with our Motoring Research team for a review.
Celebrating motorsport success
The reason for the A4 DTM Edition was possibly a little lost on British buyers. Only the most ardent motorsport enthusiasts would have known that Audi won both the 2004 Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ titles in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series.
To mark the success, a celebratory limited-edition model was commissioned, based upon the B7-generation A4 saloon.
Its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine was boosted to 220hp, with 207lb ft of torque from 1,800rpm. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system and a six-speed manual gearbox were standard. Lowered suspension and upgraded brakes were also added.
Bespoke front and rear bumpers with carbon fibre trim, larger exhaust tailpipes and a set of 18-inch OZ Racing alloy wheels completed the makeover.
‘Mighty mid-range punch’
Added to the Audi Press Garage from new, this particular A4 DTM Edition remained with the company’s UK heritage fleet. Driven by various magazines and websites, Motoring Research was fortunate enough to spend a month with the car in 2018.
Covering almost 1,700 miles, it is fair to say our evaluation of the A4 DTM Edition was thorough.
As the owner of a Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk5 from the same era, our Tim Pitt was perfectly placed to assess the A4. He said: “Of course, fast Audis are invariably capable, yet frequently also dull to drive. Fortunately, the A4 DTM isn’t too straight-laced to party. Its steering is lively, its six-speed gearbox slick and snappy, and its turbocharged engine – with that additional 20hp versus the GTI – offers a mighty mid-range punch.”
Tim concluded that locating a used A4 DTM may be hard, but: “Find a good one, though, and you’ll have a leftfield modern classic that should appreciate in value. And what’s not to like about that?”
Low miles, big smiles
Having been owned by Audi, and driven for less than 10,000 miles, this is arguably one of the ‘good’ A4 DTM Editions.
The current vendor was previously responsible for maintaining the car, having purchased it from Audi. It has since been stored within a protective air chamber, and recently underwent a major service.
Only some minor kerbing to one of the alloy wheels, and slight wear to the Alcantara steering wheel, are said to give away the car’s age.
An under-the-radar classic
With such a low mileage, and the Audi UK heritage fleet backstory, this particular A4 DTM is an intriguing proposition.
Compared to more obvious modern classics, the A4 DTM Edition is likely to be a niche choice. Only the geekiest of Audi fans will know what it is, which may add to its appeal.
Bidding is due to end on 22 March 2022, with an pre-auction estimate of £12,000 to £16,000.
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