What are collectables?
These are cars of particular interest, therefore deserving of preservation. Not necessarily old, they nevertheless exist in defined quantities, either because the manufacturer has decided so, or because their production is stopped. Then, they take advantage of features that make them especially desirable: an engine, a chassis, a design, or a concept. Finally, they are likely to see their rating increase. An additional argument to collect them before everyone else!
Why is the Audi Coupé GT collectable?
Emblematic of a time when Audis were still perceived as cars for connoisseurs, original alternatives to Mercedes et BMW, the 80 Coupe GT is appreciated for its excellent 5-cylinder in-line, also typically Audi. Light, it is swift, especially in the 5E version equipped with injection, so it is still very pleasant to drive today. Rare in good condition, this German coupe deserves to be collected and pampered.
In the 1970s, Audi was still a young brand (if we take into account its date of rebirth, 1965) and abundant. A lot of projects are developed there, sometimes without the approval of the management, and this is the case for the GT coupe. Developed from the 80 sedan of the second generation, the B2, it was first designed in secret by the team of designers led by Hartmut Warkuss. The goal was to produce a very angular and aggressive design for a coupé nevertheless capable of accommodating four passengers with dignity. This was done very quickly, at the end of 1976, and the car was finalized by the end of 1980.
The Coupé 80 comes out after the famous Quattro, which therefore shows off the bodywork, whereas it was designed before, and is distinguished by simpler mechanics. Indeed, it is a simple traction, with a longitudinal engine, in this case a 5-cylinder in line 1.9 l with carburettor developing 115 hp, in GT 5S finish, the only one offered in France. In Germany, a GL powered by a 1.6 l 75 hp is also in the catalog. As standard, the GT offers in France power steering, long-range projectors and 13 alloy wheels, but for the electric windows, you have to dig into the options. Capable of 183 km/h, and of going from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.3 s, the German is relatively competitive against the Alfa Romeo GTV et Porsche 924.
It became more threatening in 1982 when the GT 5E variant appeared with Bosch K-Jetronic injection, a 5-cylinder boosted to 2.1 l to develop 130 hp. The maximum speed increases to 196 km / h, while the shortened 5 box benefits the times. 14-inch rims and ventilated front discs improve handling. For its part, the equipment includes tinted and electric windows, fog lights and central locking of the doors.
The price ? 91,950 F, i.e. current €32,200 according to INSEE. In 1983, a slight restyling brought twin front lights, and the 1.9 l with carburettor was replaced by a 2.0 l with injection of the same power. The range is then made up of the GT5E 115 and the GT5E 130. At the end of 1984, a more significant facelift brings shields to replace the bumpers, a slightly inclined grille, new rear lights… The 2.1 l is replaced by a 2.2 l of 136 hp, and can be associated with the Quattro transmission. We therefore obtain the Coupé GT Quattro not to be confused with the Quattro… period.
At the end of 1986, the 80 saloon changed generation, and the Coupé modified its range. Arrives in France the 4-cylinder 1.8 l 112 ch (that of the Golf GTI), the 2.0 l disappears and the 2.2 l continues. The Coupé ended its career at the end of 1987, producing more than 170,000 units, a nice score.
How much does it cost ?
The least expensive are the 1.8 l 112 hp, which can be found from €7,000 in very good condition. At €8,500, you get a GT5 S 1.9 l, and at €9,500 a GT5 S 2.0 l. As for the GT5 E 130 hp or 136 hp, count rather 12,000 €. As for the rare Coupe GT Quattro, it will be €20,000 minimum.
Which version to choose?
To take full advantage of the Coupé’s capabilities, it is better to opt for a GT 5E variant, before or after restyling.
Les versions collector
The GT Coupés in perfect original condition are all collectors’ items, especially with low mileage. But, by its rarity and transmission, the Quattro version is the most sought after.
What to monitor?
Very well made, the GT Coupes do not however escape a serious pitfall, namely rust, which can attack severely. For the rest, not much to report: with routine maintenance carried out on time, these cars cover several hundred thousand km without major problems. The valve stem seals begin to lack tightness around 150,000 km, while the timing belt must be changed before 100,000 km. The K-Jetronic injection does not like inactivity and appreciates clean filters, while the Quattro’s various differentials require regular oil changes. Electricity can act up, but again, not in an unacceptable way. In short, a car without history if it has been well run.
Driving
On board, we find almost unchanged the dashboard of the Audi 80, with these large buttons framing the instrument cluster. They are cut in a rather coarse plastic, and the overall finish does not impress, but finally, you have to remember what we had at Renault or Alfa at the same time… Despite the non-adjustable steering wheel, we find ourselves a very good driving position, even if the headroom remains limited.
At start-up, the 5-cylinder injection engine of the 1982 GT 5E delights with its sound, then with its flexibility. It revs up in a melody reminiscent of rally videos where we see the famous Quattro in full action, and that alone justifies the purchase of the car. Alert, it delivers nice performance, especially since the box, moreover very pleasant to handle, turns out to be very well staged.
For its part, the chassis is not really sporty. Fairly supplely suspended, it preserves more comfort than general precision, but road holding is effective. Certainly, the movements of the body are ample and the understeer intervenes quickly in sporty driving, but the car is nonetheless safe and pleasant to drive: we are dealing with an authentic GT. The steering is quite precise but a little spongy, like most power-assisted systems of the time. Braking is still very fair. As for consumption, around 9 l/100 km, it remains reasonable.
L’alternative youngtimer
Audi 90 Coupe (1988 – 1996)
As much as the Coupé GT is angular, the 80 Coupé which replaces it appears as round as a pebble. The suspensions change little, and under the hood, there is the 2.2 l of 136 hp, in addition to a 2.0 l of 115 hp. The Quattro transmission is of course on the program. But the 80 Coupé will constantly evolve, benefiting from a catalyzed 2.3 l of 133 hp in 1989, then this block is capped with a cylinder head with 20 valves bringing the cavalry to 160 hp then 170 hp in 1990. At the end of 1991, a restyling intervenes, the Audi being named then simply Coupé. V6s appeared, in addition to a sports version S2 equipped with a 5-cylinder turbo of 220 hp, then 230 hp in 1994. In 1996, these Coupés disappeared without being replaced.
From €3,000
Audi Coupe GT 5E (1983), the technical sheet
- Engine: 5-cylinder in-line, 2144 cc
- Alimentation : injection
- Suspension: McPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar (AV); torsion axle, coil springs, anti-roll bar (rear).
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
- Power: 130 hp at 5,900 rpm
- Torque: 171 Nm at 4,800 rpm
- Poids : 1 050 kg
- Maximum speed: 196 km/h (manufacturer data)
- 0 to 100 km/h: 9.1 seconds (manufacturer data)
To find announcements of Audi Coupé GT, go to the site of The Central.