1987 Audi Coupe GT Special Build

I spent a lot of bandwidth covering the many changes from the B2 to the B3 chassis Audi yesterday. However, there was a transitional model between the two chassis in the 1987 Audi Coupe GT Special Build. The Special Build carried many items that would appear in the production B3 front drive 90 the next year. As with yesterday’s 90 quattro, motivation came from the 130 horsepower 2.3 liter NG inline-5. This represented a substantial power upgrade over the outgoing KX 110 horsepower unit. The rear brakes were upgraded to discs, as well – the only Coupe GT to have this setup, which again would be seen on the B3. The interior was revised, too, with the Savoy Velour replacing the Kensington Velour. The easiest way to tell the difference was the triple (opposed to double) striping of the fabric, though several Special Builds were optioned with leather interiors.

In what was a mostly unnecessary move, Audi beefed up the standard gearbox with larger output shafts. The Special Build cars also came with a unique exterior treatment. The spoiler, B pillar and window surround, and mirror housings were all painted in the exterior color choice. This had partially been seen on the 1986 Commemorative Design cars, which often causes confusion between the two. However, the easy way to spot the difference without popping the hood or peering between the fourteen spokes of the Ronal R8s in back is that the rear spoilers on the ’86 models weren’t body color. As with the ’86 CD, color options were limited to Black, Alpine White, or Tornado Red. Also lightly revised was the digital dash, which changed color from Red in the ’86 CD and limited run non-CD models to an orange backlit unit.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1987 Audi Coupe GT Special Build on Central New Jersey Craigslist

Year: 1987
Model: Coupe GT Special Build
Engine: 2.3 liter inline-5
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Mileage: 92,000 mi
Price: $7,500

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an extremely well cared for all original example of the Truly Iconic GT Coupe. Praised by Road And Track magazine, and considered one of the best handling cars of its era, this platform in its Quattro version led the world in rally racing; and was key in putting Audi on its road to success.

At the end of the GT Coupe production run, 1600 Special Builds left Ingolstatd, Germany with approximately 850 destined for the US. Our thoroughbred built in July ’87 was one of the last examples produced, and made its way to Paul Miller Porsche/Audi in Parsippany, NJ.

One of 3 color choices for the Special Build, ours is finished in gorgeous Tornado Red with Grey Velour Interior. As part of the SB package, the Window and Door trim is body color matched, along with the Body Vents, Rear Spoiler, and Mirror Housings. The 2309cc “NG” 2.3L 5 Cyl Engine was specific to the Special Build GT’s. Producing 130hp at 5700rpm, the power is put down to the front wheels through a 092 transaxle which is built with heavier duty componentry. Additional SB performance upgrades include Four Wheel Discs (10.1″ front, 9.6″ rear), with Girling and VW Calipers respectively, an Aux Radiator, and sits on 14″ Ronal Light Alloys.

Our Legend is complete with Original Spare, Owner’s Manual, and Window Sticker. For the Audi Purist, this precious automobile is rolling history. $7,500, Bill show contact info

In all, a bunch of minor changes made these cars quite special, but also quite dear – the sticker price on my ’87 Special Build, similarly equipped to this model, was a over $21,000. The standard price included many items, but things like the rear wiper, heated seats (which are rarely seen and not on this car), leather interior, and other niggles were still extra. Put into perspective, the $23,000 base price of the Porsche 924S at the same time suddenly felt pretty reasonable. Still, Audi managed to move all of these cars and they’re generally the most sought GTs on the market. This one, like mine, has the 3-speed automatic; a bit of a bummer, as it certainly robs much of the fun out of an enthusiastic back road sojourn but is a pretty trusty if uninspired option. But otherwise the condition of this car is simply outstanding and it generally shows few signs of use. Pricing is pretty ambitious; if the manual was present, perhaps it would be within reach. I’d figure the price of this car in this condition to be closer to $5,000 and it would take a very devoted GT fan to love it, but they’ll be rewarded with one of the better kept secrets in classic German motoring.

-Carter