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1986 Audi Coupe GT

It’s been a while since we’ve shown a Coupe GT – back a month or two ago, we had a pretty good string of rare Coupe GTs. Here’s another, and while it’s not the most desirable combination it’s sure a rare one. Why? Well, this car is an automatic Coupe GT – already a rarity, but then it also carries a digital dashboard. Normally reserved for the Commemorative Edition GTs and the 1987.5 “Special Builds”, the digital dash randomly found its way into other 1986 and 1987 models, this author’s included. It was a bit of a gimmick, but it’s a neat period piece and it’s the first non-CE, non-SB Audi Coupe GT automatic I’ve ever seen with the combination. Take a look at this great looking Tornado Red coupe:

Year: 1986
Model: Coupe GT
Engine: 2.2 liter inline-5
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Mileage: 92,964 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1986 Audi Coupe GT on eBay

86 Audi Coupe GT Tornado Red

Auto with currently 92,xxx mi everything works, from R12 A/C to cruise. Time machine interior near mint. Exterior is faded tornado red paint with a single surface rust spot on rear C pillar. Tires are Hakka all seasons M&S, with over 2/3 tread. Exhaust recently replaced. This Coupe GT shifts perfectly, and drives really well. It starts right up everytime I jump in it and hit the key, and you can drive it anywhere. It’s very quiet and peppy for all it’s 110 ponies.

Included in purchase are a bunch of receipts that track the history since new (appears to be a vw exec car purchased and delivered in detroit area, then the second owner bought it was from Chicagoland, and the third owner was a 20 year Audi mechanic whom I purchased it from this year). This car was very well documented in service and miles by the PO, and drives that way.

Cons:

The digital dash flickers from time to time which is an issue for this model.
A/C works great but is a little noisy in operation.
A front axle just started popping when turning left.
Only spot of rust is on the rear C-pillar. No rust was found anywhere else.
Hey it’s an 86 not perfect, but very close!!!

Pros:

Runs great and starts every day in one crank!
Windshield has no cracks.
All electronics work perfectly including the power antenna.
Tires have plenty of tread.
Automatic transmission shifts great!
Interior is near mint.
Car was maintained meticulously over the years by all owners.

Brand New Extra Parts:
Timing Belt Kit
Transmission Filter and Gasket

Want to see a video of the engine running or have a question just message me.

Thanks for viewing!

For all of the complaints about the automatics in mid-80s Audis, they’re not really a bad transmission and work reasonably well with the torquey power delivery of the inline-5 – certainly better than the 4 cylinder cars did. I actually owned the twin of this car but with analogue dash back in the 1990s; I’ll say that it was an enjoyable car to drive, even in the snow! This car is equipped with some meaty Nokian snow tires which will help the cause. Everything is claimed to work, and that’s a bonus, as is the crack-free windshield which is hard to replace. The Tornado Red paint is a little faded, there are a few rust spots, and the wheels look like they need a refinish, but overall this appears to be a pretty complete and well maintained GT. Some time detailing and polishing would really turn this into a looker. With everything working, lower miles and no reserve, this could be a fun winter driver for someone who doesn’t want to get their normal ride battered. I would expect it to hammer in the $2,000 – $3,000 range given the condition and automatic transmission.

-Carter