It’s been a while since this website has published a Finds of the Week lineup of jealousy-inducing cars found on other shores, but the newfound interest in the first-generation TT (aka TT Mk1 & type 8N) has inspired.
Watching the global market for the TT Mk1 has become a bit of a pass time for several reasons. For starters, we also produce TailoredDriver.com and are constantly on the hunt for anything special, first-generation TTs amongst them. Next, we have our own TT Roadster (Mk1/8N) project series based on a rare Audi exclusive Nogaro Blue example. We’re also constantly on the hunt for TT Mk1 / type 8N content for the ooooIYKYK Audi Archives – cars such as the TT Roadster Le Mans edition by Audi France.
Searching for the latter, two cars in the UK came across our radar. Like the TT Le Mans edition and our project car, these were 2003 TT Roadsters with highly unique specification including factory Recaro Pole Position seats.
Both of the cars are listed as “1 of 57” special edition, something we’d hoped to chase down, get the specifics and define in the archive. Armed with information on both, we dropped a note to a truly knowledgeable old friend from Audi UK searching for further information. And though he was there at the time and also checked with another individual also there in that time period, neither of them were familiar with such a special edition.
So, what are they? I don’t exactly know… at least not yet. If you have more information and, even better, some sort of official proof of the series via factory or market communication, I’d love to add them to the archive. Until then, I’ve decided to run this list.
You see, researching these TTs I’ve found both for sale on the UK-website carandclassic.com. Even better, the mix of TTs available on that website offer the usual mix of expected builds in addition to a decent number in truly noteworthy specification. Audi UK made many of the period Audi exclusive options available and cars were ordered in truly unique configurations. What you’ll find here are representative of that selection. Even better, they’re currently available to UK buyers.
So, what if you’re in North America and don’t mind a right hand drive example (or aren’t afraid to convert the car to left hand drive)? If you’re from Canada – congratulations. These are already old enough for import. If you’re in the USA then you should take note that these aren’t that far off from America’s 25 year old requirement for easy importation. Should you be absolutely enamored, these affordable style icons may be worth purchasing and storing until they pass the 25 year marker. In this group, that ranges from one to three years until eligible.
What: 2003 Audi TT Roadster 1.8T 225hp quattro
Color: Listed as “Grey Pearl”, likely Nimbus Grey Pearl
Mileage: 47,000 miles
VIN: VN04BWF
Price: Inquire
Location: Church Fenton, England, United Kingdom
Link: carandclassic.com
Why: One of the listed “special edition” models mentioned above, this color combination of a medium grey pearl (likely Nimbus Grey) over red leather is already handsome. Now throw in factory-matched Recaro Pole Position seats offered in Europe and the UK and you have a truly distinctive specimen of a peak Audi era.
What: 2003 Audi TT Roadster 1.8T 225hp quattro
Color: Avus Silver Metallic
Mileage: 57,000 miles
VIN: RY52WJU
Price: £9,999
Location: North Walsham, England, United Kingdom
Link: carandclassic.com
Why: While the color combination won’t be for everyone, there’s no question the second of the “special edition” TT Roadsters is highly unique. The purple leather which isn’t identified in the ad is likely the “samtvirolett” that appears in the period quattro GmbH catalogue. Effectively, that’s the leather equivalent of Velvet Purple, and here it is seen in the two packages offered in that period covering both the seats and also the controls like the steering wheel, shift knob and knee supports on the center console.
What: 2003 Audi TT Coupé 1.8T 225hp quattro
Color: Java Green
Mileage: 136,569 miles
VIN: unknown
Price: auction
Location: Surrey, England, United Kingdom
Link: carandclassic.com
Why: On one hand, the mechanical specification of the car is simply a handsome TT S line specification Coupé in 225 hp quattro guise. On the other, it’s an early example of Audi exclusive Java Green that makes for a decidedly unique take.
What: 2002 Audi TT Roadster 1.8T 225hp quattro
Color: Nimbus Grey Pearl
Mileage: 44,731 miles
VIN: MJ02NLO
Price: £13,000
Location: Cononley, England, United Kingdom
Link: carandclassic.com
Why: Other kit we never got in the United States is the factory hardtop for the TT Roadster. Fitted to the car, the look is fresh largely because it makes the car more of a notchback coupe rather than the fastback hatchback arch of the original. In this case, it’s factory equipped on the familiar color of Nimbus Grey Pearl, but it’s paired with grey leather rather than the more common orange baseball glove or black leather we typically see on that color. In neutral tones and wearing the factory 18-inch S-line wheels make it particularly striking.
