Audi TT quattro Sport | Spotted

Is there anything more satisfying than a car that’s been given the full clubsport treatment? The obligatory Recaro Pole Positions, preferably with the backs painted in the colour as the car; the netting that runs from the base of the floor to the struct brace; the complete absence of the rear seats; the Alcantara bits where you would normally find leather. It’s a formula you can apply to almost anything and it’ll immediately make it cool – and yes, I challenge you to prove otherwise. 

Making cars go faster by removing weight has been a thing since humans discovered wheels would be easier to move if they were made of wood rather than stone. Lotus has made a tidy living following the ‘simply, then add lightness’ mantra, though the clubsport-style we all know and love can arguably be attributed to lightweight Porsches. And it’s this formula that’s been employed by many, including the brilliant Mk7 VW Golf GTI Clubsport S, the MINI GP and probably the coolest Audi TT ever made – the quattro Sport.

Arriving right at the end of the Mk1’s lifecycle in 2005, the quattro Sport was essentially a TT clubsport in all but name (apart from in Europe, where it was called the TT Club Sport). The company ripped out the rear bench in favour of a strut brace and a bit of netting, trimmed the steering wheel in Alcantara and the standard car’s plush leather seats replaced with a glorious set of (optional) Pole Positions. Additionally, the standard-fit air conditioning and spare wheel were ditched, bringing the weight down to 1,390kg – a 75kg saving over the standard car – while the battery was relocated to the boot for better weight distribution. This wasn’t just a dressed-up TT, it was a proper driver’s edition.

Remarkably, Audi opted for its 1.8-litre turbocharged four-pot over the range’s more tuneful naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V6, likely to keep the weight down and in the right place. It did however get a 15hp boost, bringing peak power up to 240hp at 5,700rpm, which of course was sent to all-four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. That did make it pretty brisk in a straight line, with 62mph coming about in 5.9 seconds from a standing start, even if in the corners it wasn’t quite as electric as all the clubsport bits would have you believe.

Frankly, it didn’t really matter that the quattro Sport wasn’t quite as alive in the bends as a GT3 nor sound as good, because you were getting all the trimmings of a Porsche CS at a fraction of the cost. This 2005 example is about as good as it gets, finished in the highly desirable Misano Red and sporting the optional bucket seats with colour-matching backs. Mileage is nice and low at 36,000, and all four of the 18-inch cast aluminium wheels have recently been treated to a refurb.

All that clubsport appeal (and in such good nick) does come at a price, which is £21,995 – although this looks to be up there with the cream of the crop. You can however bag a hefty saving by opting for this 88,000-mile silver car for £11,995. Comes with a set of Pole Positions, too. If you don’t mind a few age-related marks and a more muted colour, then, by all means, take the cheaper car. But if only the best of the best, collector-grade example will do – it’s got to be the red one. Either way, you’re getting your mitts on a future classic, and one we’re not likely see again now the sun has finally set on the TT for good. 

Engine: 1,781cc four-cylinder, turbocharged
Transmission: six-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 240@5,700rpm
Torque (lb ft): 236@2,300-5,000rpm
MPG: 30.1
CO2: N/A
Year registered: 2005
Recorded mileage: 36,000
Price new: £29,335
Yours for: £21,995