Spring is the season of color and that much is obvious this week as we watch the market of cars for sale. The underlying theme of rare and eye-catching colors was overwhelming enough at the moment that a multi-car layout seemed like the only way to cover it all. This mix won’t just cover numerous unexpected hues, it’ll also cover the spectrum of Audi models from the highest performance to the most frugal and from the super expensive to the appreciably affordable.
With that, let’s get started. Some are readily available in my home market of the USA. Others are in Europe, though those are old enough for easy import should you be so motivated.
MEISSEN BLUE 2012 AUDI R8 GT
VIN: WUA9NAFG2CN900282
Mileage: 4,700 miles
Location: North Salem, NY, USA
Price: see Auction
Link: Bring a Trailer
Why: The original R8 GT was something special already. #282 of 333 units produced is even more so with Audi exclusive Porsche Meissen Blue that makes it likely one of one. Other optional equipment includes carbon ceramic brakes, enhanced leather package, carbon fiber matte engine compartment, illuminated carbon matte door sills, Bang & Olufsen audio, middle console in exterior color, Audi exclusive leather controls, forged aluminum wheels and R8 GT specific floor mats as the other optional equipment. The car also has only 4,700 miles, meaning it’s hardly been used at all. Likely the only hard parts of owning such a car are feeling pangs of guilt as you mile it up or considering whether or not to ship this collector-grade special off for a manual transmission conversion.
UNCONFIRMED VIOLET 1993 AUDI 80 AVANT 2.6 QUATTRO
VIN: unknown
Mileage: 256,816 km
Location: Bad Kötzting, GERMANY
Price: €14,999
Link: Mobile.de
Why: Neither an S2 nor an RS2, what this 80 Avant loses in performance it makes up in unique spec, condition and potential. The color isn’t listed by the dealer, though looking at period catalogues it appears that the color is either Panthero Metallic (L7) or Indigo Pearl Effect (C2) – both appearing to be violet-infused offerings, albeit rare, in the original German market 80 color palette.
Beyond that, a 2.6 V6 isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but that’s where potential comes into play. If buying and preserving a well maintained B4 specimen in a rare spec isn’t exactly what moves you, you could always go for a mild-to-wild RS2 or S2 clone conversion given we can’t say we’ve ever seen either of those cars in a purple hue. Maintaining the factory paint would give the car a whole other level of appeal even if it were “just a clone”.
IMOLA YELLOW 2002 AUDI S3
VIN: unknown
Mileage: 117,679 km
Location: Weyarn, GERMANY
Price: €21,990
Link: Mobile.de
If you’re doing the math then I’m already ahead of you. A first registration of 9/2002 means this car is still a year out from importation. If you want it and you’re in the USA, then you’ll need to wait a little more than a year to bring it in. That can be a challenge. But, if you’re an Imola Yellow aficionado then this car is one not to miss.
Imola Yellow is an iconic color of that period – harked most recently in the RS 4 Edition 25 Years, this gold hue set the mark alongside Nogaro Blue around the turn of the century and this well-preserved S3 with rare matching yellow Alcantara makes for one of the better specimens we’ve seen.
ICELANDIC GREEN 2001 AUDI A2 1.2 TDI 3L
VIN: unknown
Mileage: 264,000 km
Location: Rudolstadt, GERMANY
Price: €7,980
Link: Mobile.de
This one’s a deep cut to be sure – even amongst Audi A2 aficionados. Back in period, Ferdinand Piëch challenged his engineering teams to create a so-called 3-Liter car – essentially a car that could go 100 km on 3 liters of fuel. Volkswagen created its own with the the Lupo 3L with a 1.2-liter TDI engine. Though slightly larger than the Lupo, Audi’s A2 was also based on the A0 parts bin though featured an Aluminum Space Frame (ASF) that also made it lighter. Sharing key components, Audi also produced its own A2 “3L”. Not many were sold, so it’s rare when a well-preserved example hits the market.
NOGARO BLUE 2016 AUDI A3 2.0 TFSI QUATTRO PREMIUM PLUS SEDAN
VIN: WAUE8GFF7G1025109
Mileage: 27,962 miles
Location: Prestige Audi, Lakewood, CO
Price: $25,991
Link: Autotrader
The color needs no introduction, though catching it on a relatively affordable specimen is more of a secret worth communicating. Admittedly, the brown interior is an odd pairing, though the decision to build Audi’s entry-level sedan in an Audi exclusive color is something we can get behind. This one is sitting in inventory at Prestige Audi in Lakewood, Colorado.
ORINOCCO GREEN 1998 AUDI CABRIOLET 1.8
VIN: unknown
Mileage: 82,987 km
Location: Düsseldorf, GERMANY
Price: €16,980
Link: Mobile.de
While it’s only got a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, we’re guessing those seeking an Audi Cabriolet aren’t chasing it for the straight line speed anyway. What this specimen lacks in outright performance though, it makes up for in rarity and excellent specification. Orinocco Green was rare in its period, made even more rare with light green leather interior and green top. On top of that, literally, is an even more rare removable hardtop.
Like the B4 80 Avant above, you could buy this and simply preserve it… or… you could put it under the knife and build a most excellent specification S2 or RS2 clone. Either way you cut it, there’s no question you’d have a highly unique car.
UNCONFIRMED PURPLE 2026 AUDI RS Q8
VIN: WU1ARBF15TD019097
Mileage: delivery miles
Location: Audi Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Price: $165,695
Link: Autotrader
There’s some sort of mistake going on with this listing. The dealer has it verbally listed as Goodwood Green, the photos show a more peanut-butter-and-jelly spec of purple over Cognac brown. While it’s likely Merlin Purple, we’ll know more once we’ve had a chance to confirm it. Either way, it’s a unique offering in the new inventory at Audi Salt Lake City.
VIOLA MITHROS 2024 KTM X-BOW GT-XR
VIN: unknown
Mileage: 4,000 km
Location: Champlan, FRANCE
Price: €425,000
Link: Mobile.de
No, it doesn’t have four rings on it, but it does have four rings in it… and five cylinders. The KTM X-Bow GT-XR is a carbon tub chassis track special built by motorcycle manufacturer KTM with various Audi engines over the years.
Given the nature of it and the production year of 2024, registering this car for the U.S. is a likely non-starter, but as a track weapon in a unique color with a killer drivetrain we suspect you won’t find much better.
CORNFLOWER BLUE 1997 AUDI A3 1.8T
VIN: unknown
Mileage: 162,000 km
Location: Weiden, GERMANY
Price: €9,500
Link: Mobile.de
This car is neither an S3 nor even quattro, but we’re going to give it a pass just the same. The first-generation A3 is a handsome car made even more handsome in Cornflower Blue metallic. It’s also got some upgrades, from tuning and wheels to silver mirrors and especially those partial Alcantara Recaro Pole Position seats.
