1997 Audi S8 D2

Highlights

• Eighteen main dealer services from PDI to 106,000 miles
• Serviced over 15 years until 2011, then stored until 2020
• Recently recommissioned with all necessary work carried out
• All five factory alloy wheels refurbished two years ago

The Appeal

Remember 'Ronin'? John Frankenheimer's nail-biting movie epic that left us all wanting two things: To be Robert De Niro and to drive an Audi S8.
The former is an impossibility, but Car & Classic is happy to help you realise the latter of those ambitions, as here we have a rather lovely example of a 1997 D2 Audi S8. This UK market right-hand drive S8 has been meticulously kept over the years, making it on of the finest examples still on the roads today.
This high-performance variant of the A8 featured an aluminium space frame construction that was revolutionary for its time, offering both lightness and rigidity. Coupled with the legendary Quattro drivetrain and a 4.2-litre V8 engine, this was an unstoppable combination.
Having been serviced regularly for fifteen years until 2011, then carefully stored until 2020 when it was professionally recommissioned, this S8 presents an opportunity to acquire a well-preserved example of Audi's flagship performance saloon.
The vendor tells us:
"I'm a reluctant seller, one too many vehicles for the driveway! It's a car that can hustle when your in the mood, but is a great mile muncher on a run being smooth and relaxing with great seats and surprisingly economical, I've had 27mpg on a 400 mile round trip recently!"

History and Paperwork

• First registered in 1997
• Comprehensive service history with eighteen main dealer services from PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) to 106,000 miles
• Regularly serviced over a fifteen-year period until 2011
• Stored from 2011 until 2020
• Professionally recommissioned in 2020 with all necessary work completed
• The vendor states this is a reluctant sale due to having too many vehicles
• 146,087 miles
• MOT until 11th March 2026

The Condition

• Exterior presents in very good condition with shiny paint and minimal imperfections noticeable
• All panels are straight, the vendor assures us
• Set of five factory alloy wheels refurbished two years ago
• All interior knobs, buttons, dials, and switches are reported to be working properly
• Climate control system works correctly and blows cold air, we are told
• Original satellite navigation system remains functional
• Multi-CD changer is in working order
• Solar panel on sunroof reportedly functions properly, helping to keep the interior cooler on hot days when parked
• Leather on all seats is described as soft and supple by the seller

The Mechanics

• 4.2-litre NA V8 petrol engine
• Five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode option
• Vendor states the vehicle is in excellent mechanical condition; starts easily and settles to a quiet, smooth idle
• Gearbox shifts smoothly in both automatic and manual modes, we are told
• Two new Hankook Ventus tyres fitted this year
• Remaining two tyres are the same Hankook Ventus brand with plenty of tread remaining
• Capable of spirited driving when desired
• Described as great for long journeys - smooth and relaxing
• Considerable service history since recommission with annual services for fluids and filters as well as gearbox, differential, and brakes as necessary
• Belts, pulleys and water pump replaced just 22,000 miles ago in 2020

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..