2003 Audi TT Coupe

With just one former keeper, ‘LC03 GBY’ is a Kingfisher Blue Audi TT coupé that has been in the seller’s hands for the past two decades.  

It’s fitted with the turbocharged 1.8-litre engine and Audi’s famed quattro all-wheel-drive system too, its 222bhp making for fast and safe transport no matter what the weather.

It’s also got a peerless service history and was last fettled in March 2023. It’ll have a full 12-month MoT by the end of the auction, too.

Quite possibly the very definition of the easy-to-run, thrilling-to-drive sportscar, we think the TT is still underappreciated and has yet to realise anything like its true potential in the classic car market.

Kingfisher Blue is an iconic colour for a reason and that reason has never been more obvious than here because it’s a stunning colour, isn’t it? 

And while you might think you want to join the herd with a silver one, we think this example might give you pause for thought; after all, it’s a timeless design and this hue allows the lines to shine in a way others imply don’t. 

It’s unusual too and was an extra cost option when the car was new, apparently costing the first owner a fortune.

As for the condition of the coachwork, it’s a modern-era Audi, so shutlines and panel alignment can be taken for granted – and the owner’s contribution is almost entirely positive. 

Yes, the 18-inch alloy wheels are scuffed and marked, but this is almost inevitable in these days of ultra-low-profile tyres so please don’t think this is a sign of a careless owner because the four corners and the door mirrors are unmarked, and there are no ripples along the flank, which suggests careful curation.

This impression is reinforced by the condition of the light lenses, window glass, and badges, all of which are good.

But then the Audi’s condition shouldn’t come as a surprise because we are told it’s always been garaged, and this is what you get when you combine peerless engineering with dedicated, long-term ownership.

Which means flaws are few. There is some corrosion on the offside roof rail, and while the four tyres are matching, they are from Jinyu and we can’t help but think a chassis of this quality deserves better. 

Audi’s legendary build quality is on display in the cabin, too. Finished in Silver silk nappa leather (colour code N1U/JK) the only serious marks we can see are to the metal radio cover in the centre console, which should reassure you as to the condition of everything else.

The leather front seats are as heavily bolstered as you’d hope to find in a car with this one’s penchant for high-G shenanigans yet are as comfortable as they are supportive. 

They’re in great shape too, with only a little softening and creasing. They also adjust manually, which bodes well for long-term maintenance, and are heated so will keep you cosy in the sort of snowy and icy conditions the TT Quattro excels in. 

As you’d expect, the rear seats are in an even better condition.

The interior appointments include electric windows, air-conditioning, and a Bose sound system. We are told that everything works as it should.

The boot is as beautifully trimmed as the rest, and lifting the carpet shows a space-saver spare wheel and a solid boot floor.

The only problem the seller is aware of is the microswitch on the driver’s door, which doesn’t drop the glass down the usual 5mm to allow easier opening and closing. 

The TT’s service history is fulsome and recorded as follows:

• 25.04.2003 – pre-delivery inspection by Epsom Audi
• 24.01.2005 and 9,977 miles – service by Plymouth Audi
• 16.11.2006 and 15,997 miles – service by Plymouth Audi
• 15.03.2010 and 27,167 miles – service by T.K. West, Windsor Garage
• 09.07.2012 and 34,529 miles – service by T.K. West, Windsor Garage
• 13.07.2015 and 43,256 miles – service by T.K. West, Windsor Garage
• 18.10.2016 and 45,925 miles – service by T.K. West, Windsor Garage
• 27.02.2018 and 49,453 miles – service plus fresh brake fluid by T.K. West, Windsor Garage
• 24.04.2019 and 52,955 miles – service plus new cambelts, waterpump, and auxiliary belt by T.K. West, Windsor Garage
• 07.01.2022 and 55,606 miles – service by T.K. West, Windsor Garage
• 17.03.2023 and 57,127 miles – service by T.K. West, Windsor Garage

In addition to this, two new rear springs were fitted last year for the MoT.

As you can see, it starts and idles perfectly and makes a subdued snarl when revved. The seller also tells us that it drives as you’d expect.

The engine bay is mildly grubby but no more, which leaves you free to detail or not, depending on your personal preference.

As for the underside, there is the usual smattering of surface rust on suspension components and the like but no MoT tester has ever had cause to mention structural corrosion.

The TT’s MoT certificate is valid until the beginning of April but the seller tells us he’ll put a new one on before the end of the auction.

The MoT trail and stamped service history booklet confirm the Audi’s low mileage.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the TT comes with the book pack, the stamped service history booklet, lots of old invoices, and a bunch of expired MoT certificates.

If, like most of us, you grew up thinking that a classic car was something from the fifties and sixties then we’ve got news for you because the cars we grew up lusting after were probably only twenty or so years old.

Like this one.

This means it isn’t a modern classic at all. It’s just a classic. But, unlike the MGs and Fords of the fifties and sixties, this one can keep up with modern traffic, run with the very best of today’s hot hatchbacks, keep you mobile no matter what the weather, and do it all while being reliable and cheap to service.

It's a modern motoring miracle and one we’re still getting our heads around. (Possibly because we don’t like being reminded how old we are.)

And, because everyone else is still struggling to process the fact these are true classics, they are still cheap.

Very cheap. This one will, we estimate, sell for between £3,000 and £6,000, which is peanuts for a car with this one’s history and condition.

Yes, you need to refurbish the alloy wheels but after that you’ll be golden and be able to ask your mates “what is this depreciation you speak of?

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Plymouth, Devon. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.