Some interesting and rare-spec cars caught my attention this past week, so I figured I’d share! How about this RS6 to start? The pinnacle of the C5 was, of course, the twin-turbocharged all-wheel drive version you see here built by Audi’s skunkworks, quattro GmbH. With assistance from VAG-owned Cosworth Engineering, the resulting BCY motor cranked out a peak 444 horsepower at 5,700 rpms and an impressive 415 lb.ft of torque between 1,950 rpms and 5,600 revs. The body, brakes, wheels, and suspension were all upgraded by quattro GmbH, with plenty of technology to transfer the power to the ground and keep the RS6 planted. Though it was saddled with an automatic transmission only and tipped the scales at a massive 4,050 lbs, the tenacious all-wheel drive, computer programming and massive power resulted in a 4.4 second 0-60 sprint, besting both the contemporary M5 and E55 AMG. The RS6 had 14.4″ front brakes, dynamic ride control, and meaty 255-section Pirelli P-Zeros to control that speed. Lowered ride height, flared sills and fenders, giant gaping intakes and exhaust, and signature honeycomb grills set the stage for how these cars have looked since.
This particular one has a host of high-dollar upgrades, with Dinan forged wheels, Bilstein coilover suspension, upgraded engine tuning, a Wagner intercooler, and Milltek exhaust. The cost of the parts alone when new add up to the $15,000 asking price.
While I’m not the biggest fan of the newer Golf’s styling, it is a great example of that honeycomb grille I just referenced. And in Pomelo Yellow Metallic…I think it changes my mind a bit! This one is also a 2022 GTI Autobahn, which means in addition to the 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, this was the top-spec model below the R, hitting your wallet at nearly $40k when new.
Inside you’ve got a nice splash of color with tri-tone seats and a ton of tech. This example has already covered a lot of miles but is still very new and has a steep discount over the sticker price.
Back in time a bit with this 924S that has undergone some neat upgrades and refurbishment. Highlighting the mods are the European-specification front and rear bumpers, which really help to slim down the look of the underloved US 924S. It’s also got 924 Turbo side skirts, 944 Turbo wheels, and a 944 rear spoiler for a subdued improvement over stock.
The interior has also been refreshed, leaving a nice-looking driver for the next owner. The asking price of $15k seems pretty reasonable considering the more turn-key nature of the work that’s been done if you like the look.
Rare-spec alert! This is an ’08 M3 sedan, which is rare enough to begin with. In fact, only 2,080 manual pre-LCI M3 sedans were imported to the US. Only 282 in total were imported without navigation, and 501 without a sunroof. Add those traits together, and without even getting into the also rare color combination of Alpine White and Fox Red, this is a hard-to-find combination. As a result, it won’t surprise you at all to know it’s not cheap.
If you’re looking for a modern classic though, this one ticks a lot of the right boxes and has some nice upgrades, like the LCI taillights and Competition Package forged wheels.
Which modern classic is your favorite?
-Carter
Nice to read about GTI, RS6, 924S, M3