2009 Audi R8 V8

Our car went down the production line in early 2009 and is finished in the rather fetching shade of Ibis White. The first owner, a sensible chap we imagine, specified the manual gearbox – the right choice. The alternative, a single clutch automated manual did not garner any positive reviews and was eventually replaced.

What’s not to like? Snicking that lovely shifter through an open gate – a proper driver’s car!

At the time, the car’s base price would have been somewhere north of £85,000 before options and as this is a well specced R8, there are plenty of them.

Most noteworthy are the black Nappa leather interior and rather snazzy carbon side blades.

There are plenty of other toys to amuse and delight; Bi-Xenon headlights, electronic climate control, cruise control, heated electric seats and satellite navigation.

The seller is a long-established classic car dealer who bought the car from a friend just before Christmas. It had been in his care for some four years and used sparingly during that time.

The seller used the car himself for a little while but as it does not fit in with his regular stock, he is kindly allowing us to sell it on his behalf.

He reports that it drives perfectly, with a smooth clutch and effortless performance. He prepared the car as he does with all his classics and we can therefore report that not only is it showroom ready, it is absolutely immaculate. The best available? We think so.

Our scrupulously honest seller thought it only right to report a few tiny stone chips on the leading edge of the bonnet and the front spoiler. He also mentioned there are some on the side skirts. They are hardly worth mentioning and are so tiny as to be invisible in our photographs.

He felt that it was better to leave them, rather than repaint. After all, the car’s paint is only original once and no matter how good the paint shop, you can never replicate a factory finish. We whole heartedly agree.

The rest of the body is completely unmarked. Not a dint, not a scratch! All this points to careful ownership and is to be celebrated.

The lovely 19-inch alloy wheels are in exceptional condition, thankfully having avoided those pesky kerbs. The seller fitted four new premium Pirelli tyres at great expense.

Put a private plate on this car and most would assume that it has just been driven out of the showroom.

If you though the outside was picture perfect, then the inside is a real treat. Those sculptured leather seats are as new. It shows both the quality of Audi’s workmanship and owners who have taken that little bit of extra care, not always the case with a car like this.

Carpets, headlining, boot, all immaculate.

Everything works with Teutonic precision – Audi really do make some of the best interiors on the market today.

The front boot is bigger than it looks and there is extra space behind the seats for a little more luggage. Practical enough to be used every day, whether that’s a run to the supermarket or a weekend away.

No surprises here! The engine compartment is a joy to behold. Not only is it as clean as a whistle, but that wonderful V8 powerplant is quite the looker. Careful servicing and cleaning have clearly been undertaken.

Look at the pictures of the car’s underside, and other than some surface road dirt, all is well. We suspect the car has spent the winter months cocooned away in an air-conditioned garage and spared the indignity of been splattered by road salt, muck and dirt.

The perfectionist might want to give it all a wipe over and perhaps a protective coat of wax to keep things spic and span.

The service book shows a reassuring collection of stamps. Initially Audi main dealers, during the latter years AM Autos in Hampshire were charged with keeping this lovely R8 in tip top condition. Being German car specialists, they clearly know what they are doing, and they last serviced the car in February 2020, where a new O2 sensor was also fitted.

The MOT history is impeccable and confirms the low mileage of just 39,500. There were two failures, but before you get at all concerned, these were for blown registration number plate bulbs! Perfect.

As previously stated, the car is now shod with brand new Pirelli tyres so we cannot imagine any immediate expense being required other than routine servicing.

Much respected Evo magazine listed the R8’s V8 engine as one of the all-time greats and who are we to disagree? They complemented the car’s linear power delivery, razor sharp throttle response and that naturally aspirated motor that could rev past 8,000 rpm whilst making a delicious noise in the process.

Add in the manual gearbox and you have a genuinely great driver’s car and with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, this wonderful car is usable all year round.

This car is close to concours condition in our opinion and must surely be one of the absolute best for sale today. We estimate the car will sell for between £34,000 and £38,000, a bit of a bargain. The very best cars will always be sought after, and we are sure that prices will rise as the years go by.

So, before we are all consigned to anonymous electric boxes, buy a usable, collectable and desirable supercar while you can and enjoy.

Inspection is always encouraged (within Govt. guidelines of course), and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.