One cannot possibly overstate the importance of the Audi V8 for the German luxury brand.
Launched in 1988, the luxury sedan paved the way for the first-generation A8 and for the company to become a worthy opponent to Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The Audi V8 marked several premieres for the Ingolstadt company. It was Audi’s first full-size luxury sedan, its first production car to feature a V8 engine, and the first quattro-equipped model available with an automatic transmission.
From launch until August 1991, the only engine available was a 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated unit that produced 250 PS (247 HP) at 5,800 rpm and 340 Nm (251 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm. It was mated to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual.
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In August 1991, Audi added a 4.2-liter V8 that made 280 PS (276 HP) at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm. This unit offered the choice of the same four-speed auto or a six-speed manual.
Now, Audi only made approximately 21,000 V8s from October 1988 to November 1993 and that means it’s not easy to find one in perfect condition. Unless you’re willing to pay big money, that is. There’s one immaculate example up for sale with Bourguignon in the Netherlands and it’s very probably the lowest-mileage Audi V8 in existence.
We’re talking about a 1990 Audi V8 claimed to have only 218 km (135 miles) on the clock. The pearl white luxury sedan spent the first 157 kilometers (97 miles) of its life in Belgium and was bought by the current collector owner in early 2016. Since then, it has only covered an additional 61 kilometers (38 miles).
Combining a pearlescent white exterior (including the wheels) with a black leather interior with wood trim, this Audi V8 features the early 3.6-liter motor hooked to the four-speed auto transmission.
Standard equipment was very generous and included cruise control, ABS, power front seats with memory for the driver, heated seats (including in the rear), automatic climate control, a sunroof, power windows and mirrors, and more. The only options present on this car are the rear door awnings and rear screen awning. Surprisingly, it didn’t came with a radio from the factory.
Before leaving you with the photos, let us address the elephant in the room: the asking price for this time capsule is a whopping €74,950 (approximately $81,000). That’s a lot considering that a 2020 Audi A8 starts at $85,200, don’t you think? But then again, 2020 A8s are dime a dozen, while this one, could very well be 1 of 1 for anyone looking for the closest to new example of the V8.
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