Radwood Contender: Audi 5000CS Turbo Quattro Avant
This Reagan-era Audi wagon is a relatively rare bird, looks to be in excellent condition, and sports a stick.
Right now, plenty of American enthusiasts are focused on the fact that the eagerly anticipated 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant is available on our shores, which makes sense. The RS 6 is an amazing machine, and given that we tend to get shafted when it comes to cool wagons, kind of a surprise. But while this 1988 5000CS Turbo Quattro Avant which recently popped up on Bring a Trailer might not sport a 591 horsepower twin-turbo V8 under the hood, its cool factor is undeniable.
Seriously, if you’re looking for a killer ride to bring to Radwood? This Zermatt Silver Metallic machine would be just the ticket.
In the three decades since it rolled out of the showroom, this lovely longroof has seen just 52,000 miles, which — at least in my opinion — seems like a Goldilocks amount of travel for something of this vintage. From the description and the 350-odd photos posted in the listing, it appears to have be meticulously maintained as well, and along with the squeaky clean condition, this wagon is rocking a five-speed stick.
Motivation comes from a 2.5-liter I5, which was rated at 162 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, and output is piped to all four wheels through Audi’s famous quattro system. Both the center and rear differentials can be locked from switches on the console, and in a delightfully old-school touch, there’s even a switch to turn off the ABS. So if you’re looking to channel your inner Walter Röhrl and rally this beast down some gravel roads, you’re in luck.
In reading over the listing, it appears that everything works as intended, with the exception of the instruments panel’s digital diagnostic display. Given how well taken care of this baby appears to have been, that makes me wonder if the bits needed to rectify the faults there might be unobtainable at this point. But I’m sure some of the folks on the forum would be able to help track them down, were you lucky enough to bring this Regan-era piece of German iron home.
Now, I don’t have any experience with these cars personally, and have only seen them in the wild a handful times. But my best buddy actually used one as a delivery vehicle back in the day, and said it was more fun to drive than the somewhat meager power figures suggest. For what it’s worth, he was also amazed at the amount of cargo it would swallow.
As I write this, the bidding is stalled at $8,000, which isn’t exactly chump change, even if it’s far south of what a new Avant would run you. I think it seems like a decent deal for a relatively rare bird, especially one in such great condition, thought I’m curious to see how much higher the bidding will go. What do you think a fair price for this classic Audi would be? Shoot me a PM, and let me know!
Photos: Bring a Trailer