2004 Audi S4 Quattro Cabriolet

This lovely example of the B6 S4 Cabriolet is a 2004 model equipped with that all important Getrag six-speed manual transmission. It is a UK supplied and specified model with its first owner retaining the car for just over four years and covering around 22,000 miles during that time. The S4 was acquired by our vendor in 2008. It was used and enjoyed in the UK until 2013 when it re-located to Guernsey in the Channel Islands.

The S4 was registered in Guernsey in February 2013 with it having covered around 40,000 miles at that stage. Since then it has mostly been used within the confines of the British Crown Dependency of Guernsey. The island has an area 62 square kilometres which helps explain why it has covered only around another 8,000 miles in the last 12 years or so.

Following the drive from Guernsey to our Oxfordshire HQ the hydraulically actuated hood annoyingly failed to function. It had reportedly been working prior to this and will be left “as is” for the next keeper to address as they see fit. This high-performance convertible Audi is being offered here with no reserve on a “sold as seen” basis.
 

This S4 Cabriolet presents in its original Brilliant Black livery which lends it a subtle, even stealthy demeanour. There is just enough satin finished, brushed alloy – to the A pillars and door mirror casings - to add some additional tonality to proceedings. The overall exterior ambiance, however, is that of modest understatement of the type that Ingolstadt do so well. It is certainly one that belies the impressive performance potential that lies beneath those well engineered panels.

Those panels aren’t entirely without minor battle scars, however. There are quite a number of scrapes, scratches and minor car park dings in evidence and these have been captured for your review by our photographer. The nearside of the car also exhibits a minor colour mismatch between the front panels and passenger door when compared to the rear wing section. All that said the black fabric hood looks to be in a good overall condition (if not currently operative) and the paintwork retains and impressive level of iridescent metallic flake content. Additionally the panel gaps appear to be tight and symmetrical throughout in true, time honoured Audi tradition.

The S4 sits on its original set of 8J X 18-inch Avus III six spoke alloy wheels. Each of these exhibit kerb rash to varying degrees with some other marks and scrapes noted in places. A mixed set of 235/40 configuration tyres are currently fitted.
 

The cabin of the S4 maintains the uber-engineered standards set by the exterior. Exquisitely trimmed in black hued Pearl Nappa leather upholstery throughout, this Cabriolet offers up a sophisticated, spacious and well equipped cabin. The front seats are deeply bolstered sports items which feature full electrical operation and adjustment together with three stage heating. The rear cabin is arranged into two separate seats which are identically trimmed with horizontally orientated, padded box pleats. The condition of the upholstery appears excellent throughout.

The Audi signature, crystal clear white on black instrument set sits within a hooded binnacle. The tachometer, redlined at 7,000rpm, carries unique S4 script and a matrix style multifunction information screen sits between the main gauges. This screen appears to be fully functioning with no pixel deterioration noted. This binnacle sits behind a three spoke leather, S4 emblazoned sports steering wheel. The original Audi Symphony head unit is present and combines both a CD and cassette player with the AM / FM radio. The fabric hood is lined with a light, woven textured fabric which appears in a fine overall condition.

The well-shaped boot is trimmed in its original hardwearing grey carpet. A ski hatch is present allowing for longer loads to be more easily accommodated. A full sized spare alloy wheel and tyre are stowed beneath the boot floor.
 

This S4’s mechanical specification remains deeply impressive even a full 21 years on. The 4.2-litre, 40 valve V8 remains the headline act but a strong supporting cast also features. The permanent all-wheel drive Quattro system ensures all that thrust and twist remains deployable in all conditions and a raft of electronic aids also help keep everything on the straight and narrow. These include a blizzard of acronyms – ESP (stability), ABS, EBD (brakeforce distribution), EBA (emergency brake assist), EDL (electronic diff locks) and ASR (traction control). It’s fair to assume that if you defeat that lot then you are probably just going too fast. Brakes are vented discs all round and variable assistance Servotronic power steering and sports suspension are also found here.

This Audi S4 Cabriolet clearly runs and performs as well as you might expect from such a sensible mileage example. Our vendor drove it from Guernsey to our Oxfordshire HQ with no reported issues or concerns. 

Lifting the bonnet of the S4 reveals a fully faired in engine with the sinuous inlet tracts looking much like an Olympian’s midriff. A shiny set of interlocking rings and a bold “V8 – 4.2” emblem help underscore how rightly proud Audi were of this powerhouse engine. The condition under here is excellent and highly original looking. Certainly conducive with the well maintained example that this clearly is. The underside of the car looks impressively original and solid, too, with plenty of textured factory underseal still in evidence. It is worth noting that the Bailiwick of Guernsey is drier than the UK as a whole and does not permit the use of rock salt on their roads.
 

With the S4 recently only arriving from Guernsey it is currently registered there. As such no UK Registration Document or MoT are currently in place and in their stead are the Guernsey equivalents. However the NOVA has been received and a V5 can now be applied for.

The S4 is complete with an impressive archive of invoices documenting servicing and remedial work undertaken from all stages of the car’s history. The higher value amongst these includes a 2018 one detailing some body repairs and paintwork undertaken, as well as another from 2016 for some similar work. Two original Audi key fobs are present as is our car history check document. This confirms the Audi’s two owner status and its MoT status up to the point of its export in 2013. 
 

The Audi S4 in B6 guise is considered by most as the apogee of the model’s evolution. It was a tangible and definitive step ahead of its predecessor and made eminently desirable and exciting by that superb 4.2 V8. In many ways, however, it is the B6 S4’s peerless breadth of capabilities that set it apart. Comfortable four seater saloon? Check. Top down boulevard cruiser? Check. Mum / Dad’s taxi for kids, dogs and their paraphernalia? Check. But then, where conditions allow and the kids and the dog are at home in bed, you can unleash those 339 horses, send the V8 howling up to its 7,000rpm redline and revel in the outstanding grip afforded by the legendary Quattro system.

This example is notable not only for its very sensible original mileage but also for that luxurious and pristine interior and, of course, the legendary S4 mechanical specification. These cars in a solid useable condition are becoming few and far between and increasingly sought out for their unbeatable value / performance / build quality quotient. 

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £4,000 - £8,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.