With this weekly recurring Finds of the Week feature, I’m aiming to change up the typical “finds” model by curating a collection of things available for sale, typically centered around an underlying theme. For this week, that theme is Automobilia that is exclusive, rare…. and often expensive. This is next-level stuff, things that would prove as unobtainium for even connected Audi aficionado.
In some ways, this is therapy. Write about it so you’re not tempted to spend more money than may be reasonably explained within one’s own household, or utilized against you by well-intentioned friends seeking to intervene in what they see as an addiction.
Whatever. Let’s proceed.
What: Tom Kristensen Seven Chronograph by Rosendahl
Condition: Used
Price: $1,500 or Best Offer
Location: Vilnius, Lithuania
More Information: Link
Most Audi motorsport aficionados know that Tom Kristensen has won Le Mans more than any other human, earning the nickname “Mr. Le Mans”. The Danish driver has nine victories to his credit, though he earned the name in the R8 LMP1’s final Le Mans running in June of 2005.
At the time, Kristensen paired with Danish goods brand Rosendahl to create the celebratory chronograph you see here. In 2010, Kristensen signed on to become an ambassador for Rolex, while at some point Rosendahl appears to have gotten out of the watch business. Today, its website is largely home goods.
By my measure, that makes this watch an interesting collector’s item. It’s not Audi branded, but this indirect association steeped in Audi’s Le Mans era only makes it more desirable. And, as collector chronographs go, it’s not all that expensive.
What: BP Michèle Mouton Advertising Poster
Condition: Used
Price: €1,200.00, approximately $1,310.28
Location: Vannes, France
More Information: Link
Early in Michèle Mouton’s career at Audi Sport and long before she’d become Queen of the Pike’s Peak Mountain, Ingolstadt’s headline-grabbing female rally driver was sponsored by British Petroleum. Photos of this early era show her wearing French “BP Pilote” branding on her driving suit, her jacket and even occasionally involving the color of her racing quattro Group 4 rally car when it would compete in black, green and yellow livery.
Part of the promotion at that time can be seen here in this period layout created to celebrate her “Vice Champion” status as runner-up to the narrowly lost 1982 FIA World Rally Championship driver’s title. It would have been seen most commonly as a full page ad in a print magazine. Here though, it’s in super rare 120 cm x 80 cm poster that is worn but largely well preserved.
Likely this would have been sent out as promotional material by BP to service stations in France. Close-up photos in the Ebay ad show damage around the corners that would have been consistent with tacking it to the wall.
The piece can be found on Ebay France, so be aware that shipping to a North American address may be unwelcome by the seller. You’ll want to square that away if you try to buy it, but it’s a very rare piece and priced accordingly. For the ultimate fans of Mouton, it’s a notable find.
What: Audi Sport Fabric Banner Depicting R15 plus LMP1 Racecar
Condition: Used
Price: $1,250 or Best Offer
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
More Information: Link
What makes this banner most unique is that it wasn’t commercially produced for resale. The exceptionally large 20′ x 7′ size and welcome message suggest it would have been used as decor in Audi Sport’s official hospitality areas in and around a track.
That it depicts the R15 plus narrows its use window down to 2010-2011 because this final evolution of the R15 was used between 2010 at the 8 Hours of Le Castellet and then running its final race at the 2011 12 Hours of Sebring before the arrival of the closed-top R18.
The banner would be the ultimate for an Audi Le Mans themed garage, but be prepared to save a seriously large part of your wall given the large size.
What: Audi Sport Rhombus Logo Dealer Display
Condition: Used
Price: $3,495
Location: Round Rock, TX
More Information: Link
In 2016, Audi’s performance business quattro GmbH experienced a name change to Audi Sport GmbH. The move made sense, linking Audi Sport the racing endeavors to Audi’s own sporting division. Part of that move included raising awareness in dealerships, naming Audi Sport ambassadors at key stores, installing displays of sporting memorabilia like race suits, and additional signage.
Key amongst the “additional signage” were these large three-dimensional self-standing Audi Sport logos. Measuring 80 inches by 85 inches, they would also light up when connected to power.
This is the current Audi Sport branding, and as a result these are still common to see at most Audi dealerships. Even still, seeing one available for purchase to add to your own garage mahal is exceedingly uncommon.
What: Votex Body Kit Dealer Showroom Poster
Condition: Used
Price: €499, approximately $544.86 or Best Offer
Location: Bergamo, Italy
More Information: Link
Another piece of dealer branding comes from outside the U.S. market with this poster depicting body kits available as accessories from Votex. The language is Italian, suggesting it was distributed by Autogerma, then the distributor in Italy for both the Volkswagen and Audi brands.
On the poster, early B2 examples of the 80 sedan and Coupé GT can be seen in addition to the Volkswagen Scirocco and Polo. It measures 84 cm x 60 cm.
Worth noting, it’s located in Italy so it is advisable to check in with the seller to confirm shipping outside of Europe should that be your desire.
What: 1:18 Scale 1987 Audi Sport quattro S1 E2 Walter Röhrl Scale Model by OTTO Mobile
Condition: New Old Stock
Price: €714.94, approximately $780.64 or Best Offer
Location: Vetteweiss, Germany
More Information: Link
Yes, this model is expensive…. even for an appreciably large 1:12 scale offering. The thing is, it was a limited production run sold years ago. The seller lists the model as new but showing some wear on the box, with box opened for the first time in order to take the listing photos.
The model is #434 of 1,000 pieces produced.
As with several items in this list, the product is located outside of North America so please confirm shipping availability to your locale before purchasing.
What: Audi Dealership Illuminated Four Rings Logo Sign
Condition: Used
Price: $3,950 or Best Offer
Location: Barrie, ON, Canada
More Information: Link
Said to be from the 2010s era, these three-dimensional silver rings would have been used by dealerships and are seldom seen for sale. Dimensions are 400 cm x 180 cm (71″ x 160″). Seller states that the sign separates into two parts for ease of transportation. Given the size, you’ll probably want to verify shipping complexity and details before buying.
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