HIGHLIGHTS
- Original, unmodified Mk1 TT
- Range-topping 225bhp model
- Less than 45,000 miles from new
- Excellent condition
THE APPEAL
At the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi showed a concept car that was the first to be developed by its Californian studio. Styled by US-German design graduate Freeman Thomas, the Audi TT Concept was said to reinterpret styling cues of classic 1930s racing cars into a thoroughly contemporary package.
Whether you see that or not, one thing is for certain and that’s that the TT Concept was a stunning piece of work. Something that was apparent from the reaction it received.
That reaction led Audi to be bold, turning the TT into a production car built on the VW Golf Mk 4 platform that looked almost identical to the show car. It made its debut at the 1997 Frankfurt Show and immediately the order books filled up – the Audi that dared to be different was an instant hit.
As well as its distinctive exterior, the TT was a work of art inside, too. The cabin was the first Audi to be styled inside by Romanian designer Romulus Rost, who went on to head up the German firm’s interior design department through its early 2000s heyday, when an Audi interior was always a very special place to be.
It was so popular that for the first two years of production the TT was only offered in left-hand-drive form. This one, then, is one of the first RHD cars. A 1999 Roadster with the range-topping 225bhp engine. Finished in Ice Silver, arguably the best colour, it must be one of the best early TTs on the market right now.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- UK V5C
- MOT May 2023
- Some service history
- All old MOT history
- Genuine low mileage car
THE INTERIOR
- Black leather upholstery
- Completely original
- Minimal wear
- Stainless steel TT kick plates
- Heated seats
- Leather quattro steering wheel
- Climate control
- Spacesaver spare wheel and original tool kit
THE EXTERIOR
- Ice Silver Metallic
- 17-inch alloys
- Some slight delamination to wheels
- Electric folding roof in good working order
- Very well-presented with no visible corrosion
- Said to be structurally very solid
- Never welded
- Excellent, non-cloudy headlights
- Damage-free hood
- No noteable mark or body damage
THE MECHANICS
- 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
- Six-speed manual
- Four-wheel drive
- Top-spec 225bhp variant
- Said to drive very well with no known issues
- ESP and traction control
- The vendor informs us that in the last couple of years that the timing belt, water pump, turbo and battery have been replaced
SUMMARY
Early TTs are lovely cars, but the first RHD variants are now few and far between, especially in this kind of condition. This one has the lot – the best colour, a great spec and the punchy 225bhp engine, which sat at the top of the range until the V6 model appeared in 2003.
This is a terrific example of a rapidly appreciating modern classic, with a genuine low mileage and presented in excellent overall condition. A great opportunity to buy a TT worthy of investing in, or a very tidy and original low-mileage example to enjoy right now.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
VAT will be added to the final bid or offer price as applicable. VAT will be added to the buyer’s deposit as applicable.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.