Relive Audi’s Glory Days With This R18 TDI Ultra That’s Up For Sale

Audi’s run of Le Mans victories in the early 2000s will live on in history as one of the great motorsports dynasties. And it’s one that you can own a part of.

This 2011 R18 TDI Ultra never competed, but it was used for testing and FIA homologation. Chassis number 100, it had a varied life but could be a turnkey vintage racer for the right buyer.

Powered by a 3.7-liter diesel V6 with a single, variable turbine geometry turbo sat between its cylinder banks, the 2011 R18 made an impressive 532 hp. Although that’s less than the earlier R15’s V10 could manage, it led to better fuel economy and 25 kg (55 lbs) less weight.

It was also enough power to beat Peugeot to the checkered flag and earn Audi its 10th Le Mans victory in 12 years. And it was a heater of a race, too, because after 24 hours, the R18 was just 14 seconds ahead of the Peugeot that came in second place.

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Although the car is pre-hybrid, it did look like Audi’s 2013 hybrid Le Mans contender for a spell. The German company basically put a 2013-spec body on top of it for press events and the like. Then in 2018, it was restored to its original spec. That was accomplished with the use of new old stock parts and it has moved exactly 0 km (0 miles) since then.

As a result of its inaction, the engine should be good for its full 10,000 km (6,200 miles) of driving and the gearbox for 7,000 km (4,350 miles) of life. According to the seller, this is also the only fully-functional R18 ever to be sold. All other models were sold as non-functional and this one even comes with the number of an ex-Audi engineer who can follow you to races and help it run right.

The R18 is being offered by Art & Revs, which has not listed the price publicly since that would be gauche. A lot feels like a safe bet, though, and I’m pretty sure that ex-Audi mechanic isn’t volunteering.