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AutoHunter Spotlight: 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe

The Porsche 911 has something for a wide variety of performance car fans. There’s the Carrera for those who might be getting their first 911. The Carrera 4 models come with the additional traction of all-wheel drive. Cabriolets let in the sunshine while the S variants let out more power and sound. If a blend of street comfort, track capabilities, and a naturally aspirated engine are what you’re looking for, Porsche offers the GT3; the more hardcore GT3 RS is ready to race. For more than 50 years, Porsche has made the 911 Turbo, a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive model that’s more potent than the Carrera S, but not quite as extreme as the GT3 variants. Our AutoHunter Spotlight car, offered by a private seller in South Carolina, is a 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo S, which means it takes the Turbo’s already ample performance up a notch.

The Turbo and Turbo S have similar names, but there are ways of identifying the even-higher-performance S model—just look at the Carrara White Metallic example here. Up front, it has LED headlights and the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+), which steers the headlights into curves and adjusts the cone of light projected by the headlights based on the car ahead and oncoming vehicles. On the sides, the Turbo S has SportDesign mirrors with V-shaped bases. See those center locks on the black 20-inch wheels? Those are straight out of motorsports.

The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes behind the myriad of black spokes are designed to reign in the Turbo S’s extra power. How much is that? While the Turbo and Turbo both have PDK seven-speed dual-clutch automatics and twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-sixes, the S is equipped with larger turbos, which increase output from 540 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque (523 with overboost) to 580 horsepower and 516 lb-ft (553 with overboost). As a result, the Turbo S gets to 60 mph a tenth of a second faster (2.8 seconds) and hits a higher top speed (205 mph).

Inside, 2016 Turbo S models came standard with the additional comfort and support provided by the Sport Seats Plus, which included carbon fiber trim in certain areas. The car you see here features classic Black leather upholstery plus even more leather in some interesting areas like around the instrument cluster (which shows only 11,804 miles), and on the steering column and rear center tunnel.

If this combination of heritage, iconic design, impressive power, and stunning performance is right for you, place your bid on this 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo S coupe now as the auction ends on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Pick of the Day: 1969 Chevrolet Caprice

Chevrolet has been a member of the traditional “Low-Priced Three” since 1928 but, starting in 1955, Chevrolet gave its customers aspirational hopes that allowed them to dress up a Chevy to appear more sophisticated than what it was. Chevrolet took it a step further a decade later with the advent of the Caprice, with our Pick of the Day demonstrating how fancy Chevrolet could go. This big-block 1969 Chevrolet Caprice Sedan is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Morgantown, Pennsylvania.

The 1955 Chevrolet was notable for its styling and the introduction of the small-block, but one thing that often is overlooked is how the issue of looks and performance was often restricted to more prestigious marques. With the advent of the 1955 Chevy, that was no longer true.

A decade later, Ford felt it could offer a luxurious version of the Galaxie 500 so it developed the LTD—bully on Ford but Chevrolet, ever swift on its feet, introduced the Caprice Custom Sedan in January 1965. This four-door hardtop was touted as having “luxurious surround dings meant for driving enjoyment” with elegantly comfortable interior, handsomely appointed door panels, and luxuriously quiet ride. Standard V8 power (195-horsepower 283, with options up to a 425-horsepower 396) was a special feature compared to lesser Chevys. For 1966, the series was expanded to include a Custom Coupe and a pair of Caprice Custom wagons.

By the end of the decade, the Caprice had made its mark at Chevrolet, even allowing the marque to borrow its formal roofline for use on the Impala (1968’s Impala Custom Coupe). For 1969, Chevrolet’s full-size series was redesigned, losing the sleekness from 1967-68 but not a big loss considering the industry had been moving towards the longer/lower/wider credo. In the case of full-size Chevys, a massive loop bumper was the most noticeable change, and the grille could be graced with hidden headlights for the Caprice. Out back, recessed taillights in a full wrap-around bumper was touted as an angle of luxury. Perhaps most significant was the elegant body sculpting that looked like teardrops surrounding the wheel arches. The overall effect was massive, but not in the way Plymouth’s “Fuselage” cars were.

Chevrolet offered many luxurious options in 1969 that belied its low-cost origins (never mind the fact that the Caprice was not lacking in luxury pretensions). Aside of the usual power windows, door locks, air conditioning, and other options more commonly associated with prestigious brands, Chevrolet offered headlight washers that would, at the press of a button, shoot a jet of washer-solvent, with the optional concealed headlights including them as part of the package. For Rust Belt dwellers, Liquid Tire Chain sprayed a fluid on rear tires for better traction on ice. And the Light Monitoring System on the front fenders used fiber optics to give the driver indication that all lights were in proper operation.

This Garnet Red 1969 Chevrolet Caprice Sedan (yes, Chevrolet called it a Sedan despite the lack of B-pillar) flaunts several items that help the model mix in well with 98s and Electras, but it also is hiding a trump card. You’ll note the hidden headlights, and if you take a closer look, the fiber-optic light monitors are perched atop the front fenders. However, the most intriguing thing about this car is that it’s a four-door 427 Caprice with 390 horsepower on tap. Look inside and you’ll find a tachometer, power windows and locks, rear window defogger, and AM/FM/8-track, plus a black cloth and vinyl split-bench interior.

The seller states that this 93,996-mile Caprice features a 12-bolt rear with 2.73 gears “with added Positraction.” With lazy gears like that, this Caprice may not be able to fake being a performance car, but it certainly can fake being a Buick. For $32,500, you Bow Tie guys won’t need to defect from your favorite brand to enjoy upmarket charms.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com.

Pro Street-Style 1938 Willys 2-Door Sedan

This 1938 Willys two-door sedan was the subject of a pro street-style build carried out approximately a decade ago, and it is powered by a supercharged 350ci Chevrolet V8 joined to a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission and a 9” rear end. Finished in orange, the car rides on a four-link suspension with adjustable coilovers, front disc brakes, and staggered E/T 15” wheels. The interior features tan upholstery, a Lokar shifter, a MOMO steering wheel, Classic Instruments gauges, and a Kenwood CD head unit. Additional highlights include a Hilborn-style air scoop, a COMP Cams roller-rocker camshaft, Mondello ported and polished cylinder heads, and dual Edelbrock 600-cfm carburetors atop the Weiand supercharger. After its completion, the car is said to have earned the 2014 Goodguys Builder’s Choice Award as well as the 2016 Goodguys Mighty Muscle Award. This custom Willys sedan was acquired by the selling dealer in 2025 and is now offered with build photos and a California title.

Modifications to the steel body involved adding vents to the front valance, altering the rear wheel openings, smoothing the rear fender seams, removing the bumpers, and cutting a hole in the hood to accommodate the Hilborn-style air scoop. The rear wheel wells were tubbed, and the car was then repainted in orange with green pinstripes along the hood louvers. Other details include a concealed hood release mechanism, extended chrome headlight bezels, tinted windows, round side mirrors, and twin central exhaust outlets.

Staggered-width E/T Dragmaster 15” wheels are mounted with Goodyear and Hoosier tires. The four-link front and rear suspension features adjustable coilovers all around and braking is handled by power-assisted front discs and rear drums.

The front bucket seats, rear bench, and door panels are trimmed in tan vinyl and cloth, and they are joined by a color-coordinated headliner and bound carpets. A Lokar shifter and billet pedals have been installed, and a Kenwood CD head unit is connected to four-way speakers mounted in the rear parcel shelf, which features stylized “W” embroidery.

The MOMO wood-rimmed steering wheel is mounted to a tilting column that is painted to match the body along with the dashboard fascia. Central Classic Instruments gauges consist of a 140-mph speedometer, a combination gauge, and an analog clock. The six-digit odometer shows 1,500 miles, which is said to represent the distance added since the build was completed.

The trunk is lined with tan carpeting, and a wood cover conceals the battery.

The 350ci Chevrolet V8 is said to incorporate a four-bolt-main block, a COMP Cams roller-rocker camshaft, forged dish-top pistons, and Mondello ported and polished cylinder heads. A Weiand 6-71 supercharger provides forced induction through dual Edelbrock 600-cfm carburetors. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission and a narrowed 9” rear end.

The car is titled using the Arizona Assigned Identification Number AZ396800.

An album of photos documenting the build will accompany the car.

Custom ’37 Pontiac-Style Pickup Hot Rod 3-Speed

This pickup hot rod was built by its prior owner using the front bodywork from a 1937 Pontiac Deluxe 6 and a custom tubular steel frame. Power comes from a 24-stud flathead V8 with Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads, a Holley carburetor, and headers, and the truck rides on a leaf-spring suspension with front radius rods, rear ladder bars, and 15” wheels. It is finished in black over beige cloth upholstery, and additional details include a three-speed manual transmission, a wood-lined cargo bed, a beehive oil filter, front disc brakes, three-point seatbelts, and a GPS speedometer. Acquired by the seller in 2023, this custom hot rod pickup is now offered with a clean Colorado title in the seller’s name listing the truck as a 1937 Pontiac.

Pontiac’s revisions for the 1937 model year included a split grille with horizontal bars that connect visually to trim along the sides of the hood. This vehicle was assembled using steel bodywork from a two-sedan that was shortened to create a pickup-style cab. It was then mounted to a custom-fabricated tubular steel frame along with a cargo bed. The chassis was painted red, and the body was finished in black with beige Pontiac script and pinstriping on the tailgate. Other details include a split windshield, chrome headlight housings, and round side mirrors.

Color-keyed 15” steel wheels wear Pontiac-logo hubcaps are mounted with 165-series Remington Himax Radial M&S front tires and 255/70 Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 rear units. The suspension features transverse leaf springs, a front drop axle with hairpin radius rods, and a live rear axle with ladder bars. Braking is handled by front discs and finned rear drums.

The cylindrical fuel tank is mounted in the cargo bed, which is lined with wood slats retained by polished runners.

The cabin features a bench seat trimmed in beige cloth that extends to the headliner, sun visors, and door panels. The dashboard fascia is painted to match in the body, and the central bezel and Pontiac Master heater are finished in red. Three-point seatbelts have been added along with a Speedway 12-circuit wiring harness managing a 12-volt electrical system. The seller notes that the six-volt clock is inoperative.

The four-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a 120-mph GPS speedometer as well as Stewart-Warner gauges for coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, and voltage. The car is not equipped with an odometer.

The 24-stud Flathead V8 is equipped with a Holley carburetor, Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads, a beehive-style oil filter housing, and tubular headers that flow into a dual exhaust system. The radiator is cooled by an electric puller fan.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission.

The car is titled as a 1937 Pontiac using the VIN 6CA26290.

8BA Flathead-Powered 1938 Ford Pickup 5-Speed

This 1938 Ford Pickup was owned by a Texas-based hot rodder for over 35 years before it was acquired by the seller in 2025. Around 2003 it was modified with a built 239ci 8BA flathead V8 that was sourced from a 1986 Simca Unic Marmon Bocquet military truck, and the engine is mated to an ’87 S-10-sourced Borg Warner T5 five-speed manual and a ’47 Ford 9″ axle. The engine has a Schneider 254F camshaft, Red’s Headers, Offenhauser heads, and an Offenhauser Super Dual intake topped by two Stromberg 97s, and the truck rides on staggered tires and has an oak-lined bed, auxiliary gauges, and a dual exhaust system. This Ford pickup is now offered with service records, spare parts, and a clean Texas title in the seller’s name.

The truck has black paintwork and chrome bumpers, and the bed was lined with oak in 1992.

The steel wheels are mounted with staggered tires and have chrome hubcaps and trim rings, and a spare is affixed to the right side. The drum brakes were serviced in 2013, and a steering stabilizer was installed in 2014.

A bench seat is provided in the cab, and carpeting lines the floor. A Pioneer stereo is mounted under the dashboard along with several gauges mounted in a wooden console.

A tachometer is mounted on the steering column. The five-digit odometer shows 48k miles, approximately 65 of which were added under current ownership. The fuel-level gauge does not work.

Historical images show the engine rebuild c.2003 by K.C. James. The 239ci 8BA flathead V8 is believed to have been sourced from a 1986 Simca Unic Marmon Bocquet military truck. The seller tells us it has four-ring Clevite aluminum pistons, a Schneider Racing Cams 254F camshaft, Sealed Power adjustable lifters, Mallory electronic ignition, a 3″ water pump, and a single-wire GM 12V alternator. Red’s Headers were also installed.

The engine is topped by Offenhauser heads and an Offenhauser Super Dual intake topped by two Stromberg 97s. The battery was replaced and an oil change and tune up were performed in 2025.

The builder utilized an ’87 S-10-sourced Borg Warner T5 five-speed manual and a ’47 Ford 9″ axle.

Components and records included with the truck are displayed in the gallery further. The seller notes the original intake may not fit the current motor.

10 Classic Muscle Cars That Will Bankrupt You in Repairs (Avoid These!)

Classic muscle cars are cool—until you get the repair bill. Some of the most iconic models come with hidden costs that can drain your wallet fast. Rare parts, hard-to-find trim, and engines that need constant care can turn your dream ride into a total money pit.

Before you buy, check out these 10 classic muscle cars known for sky-high repair costs. They may look great, but keeping them on the road could leave your bank account hurting.

1970 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda – High Price, Higher Maintenance

Auto Evolution

The 1970 HEMI ‘Cuda is one of the most famous muscle cars ever made, but owning one isn’t cheap. Its powerful 426 HEMI engine needs constant attention, and original parts are rare and expensive. Repairs and upkeep can quickly turn into a money drain if you’re not careful.

1969 Shelby GT500 – Parts That Cost a Fortune

Hot Rod

The 1969 Shelby GT500 is a dream car for many, but fixing one can empty your wallet fast. Original Shelby parts are rare and priced sky-high. Whether it’s trim, badges, or engine parts, everything costs more—and finding the right pieces can take time and serious money.

1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427 – Beautiful, But Expensive to Fix

Hot Rod

The 1967 Corvette 427 is a classic beauty, but it’s not cheap to keep on the road. Its big-block engine and unique design make repairs tricky. Original parts are hard to find and cost a lot, and you’ll pay plenty in labor to keep everything running right.

1970 Dodge Charger R/T – Mopar Money Pit

Mecum

The 1970 Dodge Charger R/T is one of Mopar’s most iconic cars, but repairs don’t come cheap. Its 440 V8 engine, special trim, and body parts are expensive and hard to find. Restoring or fixing one can easily turn into a costly, never-ending project.

1969 Pontiac GTO Judge – Rare Car, Rare (and Pricey) Parts

Mecum

The 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge is a classic muscle car icon, but owning one isn’t cheap. Its special badges, trim, and parts are hard to find and often overpriced. If something breaks, expect to spend big to keep this rare ride looking and running right.

1971 Ford Torino GT – Hard to Find Parts, Harder to Pay For

Classic Auto Mall

The 1971 Ford Torino GT has muscle car style, but keeping it running isn’t easy. Parts for this model, especially GT-specific trim, are tough to find. When you do track them down, they don’t come cheap. Repairs on these cars can quickly add up and surprise you.

1968 AMC AMX – Affordable to Buy, Costly to Fix

Mecum

The 1968 AMC AMX might seem like a bargain at first, but fixing one is a different story. AMC parts aren’t as common as Ford or Chevy parts, and when you find them, they’re pricey. Repairs and restorations can get expensive fast, making this car tricky to own long-term.

1970 Buick GSX – Luxury Muscle with Luxury Repair Bills

Hot Rod

The 1970 Buick GSX is fast and flashy, but fixing it isn’t cheap. Special parts like the badges and trim are hard to find and cost a lot. Even small repairs can get pricey. If you’re not ready to spend big, this muscle car can drain your wallet fast.

1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 – Mid-’70s Money Drain

Flickr

The 1973 Camaro Z28 looks like a good deal, but repairs can get expensive fast. Parts made just for this year are harder to find, and rust problems are common. Fixing one often costs more than people expect, turning it into a real money drain over time.

1964 Dodge Polara 500 – Early Mopar, Expensive Fixes

Mecum

The 1964 Dodge Polara 500 is a sharp-looking classic, but repairs aren’t cheap. Parts for these early Mopars are rare and usually need to be custom-made or restored. That means fixing even small things can cost a lot, making this car an expensive one to keep on the road.

Source

10 Forgotten Muscle Cars That Could Make You a Fortune If You Buy Now

Everyone talks about Mustangs, Camaros, and Chargers. But there are plenty of muscle cars people forget about—cars that still offer big engines and bold looks. Right now, these hidden gems are affordable and easy to find.

As more collectors catch on, the value of these cars is likely to jump. If you want a classic muscle car that could be worth a lot more soon, these 10 forgotten models are smart picks to buy now.

1971 AMC Javelin AMX – The Underdog Muscle Car

Hot Rod

The 1971 AMC Javelin AMX doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It came with a strong 401 V8 engine and bold, aggressive styling. While most people focus on the big brands, this AMC is rare and powerful. Prices are still low, but they won’t stay that way forever.

1970 Buick GS 455 Stage 1 – The Luxury Muscle Sleeper

Wallup

The 1970 Buick GS 455 Stage 1 looks like a classy cruiser, but it hides real muscle. Its big 455 V8 engine made it one of the fastest cars of its time. Many people overlook it, but collectors are starting to notice. Prices are climbing fast on this one.

1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II – Built for NASCAR Glory

BAT

The 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II was made to win on the NASCAR track. It had a special aerodynamic design and came with strong 429 V8 power. Most people forget about it, but it’s rare and built for speed. Today, it’s one of the best muscle car deals out there.

1974 Pontiac GTO – The Last of the Line

Pinterest

The 1974 Pontiac GTO was the final year for the classic GTO before it faded out. It still offered a strong 400 V8 engine and bold looks, but many overlook it. Because it’s the last of its kind, prices are low now—but that won’t last forever.

1978 Chevrolet Nova SS – The Forgotten SS

All Star Motors

The 1978 Chevrolet Nova SS doesn’t get much attention, but it’s a solid muscle car. It came with a strong V8 engine and SS styling, but most buyers focus on Camaros or Chevelles. Because of that, prices are still low—making it a smart choice before values rise.

1969 Dodge Super Bee 383 – The Budget Muscle Icon

Fast Lane Motors

The 1969 Dodge Super Bee 383 was built to offer big power at a lower price. Its 383 V8 engine delivered plenty of muscle without the cost of a HEMI. It’s often overlooked, but values are starting to climb fast. This is one Mopar deal worth grabbing now.

1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 – Overlooked Mid-’70s Muscle

BAT

The 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 had bold looks and a strong 455 V8 option, but many people skip over it because of the year. It’s not as famous as earlier models, which keeps prices low. But collectors are starting to notice, and values are quietly rising.

1980 Ford Mustang Cobra Turbo – Pre-Fox Body Goldmine

Flickr

The 1980 Ford Mustang Cobra Turbo came right before the Fox Body craze. It featured a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, offering something different from the usual V8 muscle cars. Most people forget about it, but early ’80s Mustangs like this are getting rare—and values are starting to climb.

1972 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus – The Road Runner’s Cousin

Hot Cars

The 1972 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus shares much of its style with the famous Road Runner but flies under the radar. It came with solid V8 options and classic Mopar looks. Because it’s less well-known, prices stay low—making it a smart buy before more people catch on.

1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454 – Muscle Wrapped in Luxury

Inspired Pencil

The 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454 looks like a luxury car but hides real muscle. Under the hood is a big 454 V8 engine, giving it serious power. Many overlook it for Chevelles, but prices are climbing fast as collectors realize how special this car really is.

Source

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1974 TVR 2500M

The United Kingdom has had a vibrant craft car scene with many obscure makes coming from all parts of the British Isles. Among the most famous was TVR. Originally a car repair business in Blackpool, TVR evolved into a company that produced lightweight fiberglass bodies on tube chassis, all powered by four, six, or eight cylinders. This modified 1974 TVR 2500M roadster conversion currently listed on AutoHunter is one of 2,465 M-series cars built between 1972 and 1979. Painted British Racing Green with a tan vinyl interior, this spirited sports car is being sold with a clear title.

It’s hard to say what the dark green paint is, so let’s call it British Racing Green since it sounds so proper. Other features include black roll hoops, black mirror caps, a black convertible top boot, front fender vents, and driving lights below the black front bumper.

A set of 15-inch eight-spoke wheels are wrapped in staggered-width BFGoodrich g-Force Sport radials—205/55 up front, 225/50 out back.

The light tan vinyl upholstery features black piping on both buckets and the door panels. Other interior features include a three-spoke steering wheel and a center console housing the transmission shifter and emergency brake.

The woodgrain instrument panel features VDO gauges that include a 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and readouts for the oil pressure, oil temperature, voltage, coolant temperature, vacuum, and fuel level. The odometer shows 1,961 miles, which reflects the true mileage on the drivetrain and not the chassis.

The original 2.5-liter Triumph inline-six has been replaced with a Ford 302 crate engine topped by an Edelbrock four-barrel. More rumpety-rump can be credited to a COMP Cams camshaft. Other features include Ford Racing chrome valve covers and an electric fan. The original transmission has also been replaced, so this TVR now sports a five-speed T-5 manual.

Interestingly, only the front brakes are discs, though there is power assist at all four corners. A custom exhaust system with MagnaFlow mufflers leads to two pairs of pipes at the rear end. The trunk houses the battery and fuel tank.

Out of all the M-series cars produced in the 1970s, only 947 were 2500Ms. With a dose of American V8 and a five-speed, this TVR equals FUN. For this particular 1974 TVR 2500M roadster conversion, the auction ends on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery.

Car Fun with AI!

Artificial Intelligence is here and it’s wonderfulI! Our problems will be solved, efficiencies will be exploited, and you can have any kind of talent at your fingertips. What’s not to like?

Plenty. Have you asked a question on Google and noticed how the AI-generated response lacks accuracy? For example, let’s try a trick question: How many 1970 Dodge Coronet R/Ts were built with the Hemi?

This could have been a trick question because, among all the online resources, one may have U.S.-spec production (236) while the other may use total production (296). As you can see above, the correct number was used, but when the 426 Hemi was thrown in, the wrong answer was given. What’s the correct answer? Out of the 236 U.S.-spec cars, only one was built with the Hemi (this car is MIA). Another Canadian-spec car was built (which would be among the other 60), which is the “FT6” Dark Tan Metallic one that’s been around for over 40 years. And at least one export car, painted “FJ5” Sublime, was built (making at least two out of the 60). In total, there are three known Hemis out of the 296 convertibles built.

It is one thing to use a search engine to generate an answer via AI, but what about the things posted on Facebook, Reddit, or any other social media website? There are many entities (people or otherwise) that have set up profiles and created posts with AI-generated cars and bios. The issue is not so much with AI as it is with nefarious online characters who don’t care about facts—they just want clicks.

In the interest of undermining the onslaught of fake posters, here’s several that we tried—which AI failed spectacularly!

If Buick offered a GSX in 1969, what would it look like?

What would a 1970 Hurst/Olds look like?

Add hidden headlights to the 1963 Buick Riviera.

If Chevrolet built a 1975 Camaro Z28, what would it look like?

What would a 1958 Oldsmobile look like if GM was able to respond to Virgil Exner quicker?

If Pontiac was racing in NASCAR in 1970, what would the race car look like?

What if Yenko Chevrolet built a Beaumont in 1969?

Show me a 1957 Impala if Chevrolet built one.

All cars here were generated by the GenTube app. Visit the site and let your automotive imagination run wild—just be honest about it!

Interesting Finds: 1993 Audi 90CS Quattro Sport

We love to see automotive enthusiasm among the next generation of car collectors. One of the many standout vehicles showcased at the Future Collector Car Show (FCCS) this past October was a 1993 Audi 90CS Quattro owned by a young Arizona resident named Max. Not only was his car eye-catching – there was no mistaking its Bugatti Blue paint job – but it also had a one-of-one configuration!

A letter displayed with the car from Volkswagen of America explained: “This special Audi 90 Quattro Sport was designed by the Audi Design Center in Simi Valley, California and manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany. Pearl Ultramarine paint coats the exterior, while matching hand-sewn leather covers the interior. This prototype Quattro Sport’s color combination was chosen for the Porsche / Audi joint project, the RS2, [and was] shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1993. Numerous refinements went into improving handling, instrumentation, audio, and performance. The total number (worldwide) of the Audi 90 Quattro Sport RS is 1.”

The Audi RennSport (or “RS”) nameplate has historically been reserved for vehicles that Audi’s performance division has taken to new levels of handling, performance, and style. Max’s car was built as an early pioneer of that division. The Audi 90, which itself was an upmarket version of the Audi 80, was an executive car that shared the “B-series” platform and many engineering components with Volkswagen vehicles of the time. The “B4” went into production in 1991 and was intended to compete in the same mid-sized luxury vehicle segment as its fellow German brands BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The “Ultramarine” Bugatti Blue paint on Max’s Audi was the first thing to catch my eye when I saw Max’s car at FCCS. But the closer I looked, the more details set it apart from mainstream Audis of the era. Noteworthy exterior features of the car include RS2-sourced ellipsoid headlamps, headlight washers, fog lamps, a sunroof, and a decklid spoiler. The five-spoke wheels are 17-inch Azev units wrapped in 235/40 BFGoodrich G-Force tires – a nice meaty combination that, when combined with Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel drive system, enable to car to skillfully grip in any terrain or weather conditions.

On the interior, the blue and black two-tone color scheme works well, although the leather seats show some wear consistent with 30-plus years of use. An RS2 shift knob was added, and the door panels have black material place of the original woodgrain inserts. The sound system is all-Alpine, consisting of a head unit, a trunk-mounted compact disc changer, and a cell phone (which, while period correct and fun to look at, is unfortunately not compatible with today’s mobile wireless networks). The white-faced instruments were sourced from an S2 model and are displayed in metric increments – the odometer shows over 300,000 kilometers, but the car looks like it could be a much lower-mileage specimen.

Service records obtained from a prior sale of the car show that it received a replacement 2.8-liter V6 back in 2003 – an engine that Audi rated when new at 172 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. By today’s standards, those numbers aren’t remarkable, but 30 years ago it was a big deal for a sport sedan to be able to accelerate from zero to 60 in about eight seconds. A five-speed manual transaxle sends power to all four corners of the car – “Quattro” style, of course. There is no doubt about it – Max’s unique 90CS is a future collectible if we’ve ever seen one. We are excited to see the car at upcoming community events. Thanks for bringing out your one-of-a-kind Audi!