1997 Audi A4 2.8 quattro

We look at a lot of infrequently seen cars on these pages, but sometimes one really stands out to me, and that was the case with this 1997 Audi A4. Now, rarity is not on the side of the Audi A4, even in its least sold configuration. In its launch year of 1996, Audi shifted more A4s than it sold cars in total in each model year of 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994. In fact, the only reason the company didn’t sell more 1996 A4s than 1995 total cars was because a few 1996 models were sold at the end of 1995, upping the overall sales for that year. It was a wildly popular model though underneath there were overall few changes to what you could buy in the 1995 90 quattro. Even the look was a scaled down version of the 1993/4 ASF (A8) concept. But that didn’t matter – it was great looking, sporty and compact with a quality feel and still held the trump card for all-wheel drive in the small market. Unlike earlier models where the front-drive version of the chassis outsold the quattro versions, the A4 was also the first to really sell with a majority of all-wheel drive; about 80% (16,333 out of 20,671) of those that were sold in 1997 were so equipped. That would make a FrontTrak model much more rare than what we’re seeing here, so why claim this car isn’t often seen? Well, it’s just not. Think about the last time you saw a really clean pre-facelift A4. I’ll wait. Sure, there are a handful out there, but as with earlier Audis the residuals dropped and most were neglected. The A4, in addition to being a sales success, also brought Audi fully into the disposable luxury class. People that had previously bought Audis generally treasured them, especially so of the quattros. But with the A4, in many ways the small executive just became a German Camry. It was a nice Camry and that name has such a negative connotation it’s not fair to associate with, but moving into a more mainstream sales bracket also diluted the enthusiastic ownership of the brand.

On top of that, 1997 launched a new direction for the A4 which was the introduction of the 1.8T turbocharged power plant. While not a potent mill out of the box, enthusiasts (especially those downstream of initial purchase) welcomed the return of turbos to Audi and the ensuing modifications began. The result of all of this was that while the A4 was popular, it was no longer the heirloom quality automobile that models like the 4000 had been. It became, in many ways, just another car, and ultimately these factors contribute to the result of a model which isn’t often seen in the wild any more:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1997 Audi A4 2.8 quattro on eBay

Year: 1997
Model: A4 2.8 quattro
Engine: 2.8 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 47,219 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction

This 1-Owner, 1997 Audi A4 All Wheel Drive Quattro has every option available for that year. It has a 2.8 liter v-6 engine, 5-speed manual transmission, Heated leather seats, glass power moon roof, automatic temperature control, remote keyless entry and a factory alarm system. The owner paid cash when it was new. It has always been garage kept, never smoked in (the lighter has never been used) and has a factory 6-disc CD changer in the trunk. It was serviced regularly at the same Audi dealer that sold it new and was a new Audi trade. Everything works on this car and it runs and drives very well. There are no service lights on. Bid with confidence. You will not be disappointed. There is a $500.00 non-refundable deposit due at auction end and the balance is due within 7 days. If you need assistance in shipping I may be able to get a discounted rate depending where you are. Pl

Though listed as an “all options” car, it’s actually not. First off, Pearlescent White Metallic was still the premium color on the first A4s and was a high cost option. The only Sport Package in 1997 was for the 1.8T, so all 2.8 quattros made due with the same “Sport Package” wheels but didn’t get the sport 1BE suspension or 3-spoke steering wheel, which would reappear in 1998. This example does sport the “Sunroof Package” and “Cold Weather” package, but does not have the full leather interior which would not have been perforated as the Leatherette shown is, nor does it have the trip computer. I’m not sure anyone really would miss those things, though the leather does tend to hold up better long term than the leatherette. But the option that isn’t here that almost no one will miss is the Tiptronic transmission. So, this is a moderately equipped model, but not nearly as top-spec as the actual all-options car I looked at back in October.

Overall, miles are quite low but there is a undisclosed minor accident. Given that this car is on the verge of 20 years old, that’s not hugely surprising but there do seem to be some paint condition issues on the leading edge of the hood, the lower grills, and some degradation of the soft-touch plastics inside. But this isn’t likely to be a show car. The no reserve auction still has quite a few days to go and has just ticked past $1,600. Despite the far above average condition and lower mileage, I wouldn’t honestly expect this car to trade hands for any more than $4,000 at most. That’s a lot of commuter class for not much money, and though not as notable as the early cars for their snow prowess the A4s are still very capable machines. Hard to believe, but in some states these early A4s are actually able to be registered as antiques or classics; most will laugh, but a few will turn your ear with stories about when they/their parents/their friend owned a similar A4 and did all sorts of stupid things with it in winter. Then there will be a pause, and a quiet trailing off – “I wish we still had that car…”

-Carter