words: Bill Cho, photos: Classic Driver
In 1994, Audi debuted a new vehicle at the Geneva Auto Show, the A8 (D2 Typ 4D). Build on the new aluminum Audi Space Frame, it was a competitor for the Mercedes Benz S Class and the BMW 7 Series.
This particular Cashmere Grey Pearl A8 is the Long Wheel Based version which added 5 inches of rear legroom. Also, it only has 55,100 miles. That’s only an average of 3,250 miles a year!
The ad in Classic Driver reads as follows:
This 2001 Audi A8 L quattro VIN: WAUML54DX1N009695 is a one family car with just over 55,000 miles. Purchased new at Carlsen Audi in Palo Alto, it remained in California for most of its life. This aluminum Audi was always a 3rd car in the house and was primarily used on weekends around the San Francisco Bay Area. Since I took ownership of it a year ago, and drove it up to Seattle, the car has seen limited use. The car remains garaged and is not driven every day. The original purchase order, window sticker, California license plate, and service records from new are available.
Recent service work includes wheel refinishing, replacing the front axles, the front lower control arms, oil and filter change, and a new battery. New 245/45R-18 Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires were fitted a year ago. Other recent service includes the replacement of the air pump and a recharge of the A/C. The timing belt was changed in 2015. The car has a clean Carfax.
Some unusual features on this car include the following: a solar panel in the sunroof that keeps the car ventilated when parked outside, an electronic rear window sunshade and rear passenger window shades, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Options on this car: Acoustic Parking System, Navigation / Guidance Package, and Full Leather Interior.
Standard Features (among others): Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Dual zone climate control that works, and front and side airbags.
The A8 L has the Audi Space Frame (ASF), which means it has an aluminum space frame chassis, so its curb weight is just 4156 lbs. or 1885.13 kg.
The color is Cashmere Gray Pearl Effect, and the interior is a similar color.
Specs for this model are the following:
Engine: 90 deg. V8, 4.2 liters, 5-valves per cylinder, 310 hp. (228 kW) @ 6200 rpm
302 ft/lb (410 Nm) at 3000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed Tiptronic automatic w/ OD
Curb weight: 4156 lbs. (1885.13 kg)
Fuel Tank capacity: 24.2 US gallons (91.6 liters)
Length: 203.3 inches (5164 mm)
Wheelbase: 118.5 inches (3010 mm)
Front Head Room: 38.9 in., Front Leg Room: 41.3 in., Front Shoulder Room: 58.4 in.
Rear Head Room: 38.4 in., Rear Leg Room: 41.1 in., Rear Shoulder Room: 57.2 in.
Optional forged 18” alloy wheels
The car has an excellent ride and adequate performance due to its lightweight construction and quattro all-wheel drive.
The exterior paint is good but not flawless. There are about a dozen imperfections, which are primarily on the rear bumper.
All this for just $15,000. As you can see from the window sticker above, it originally was listed at $72,375. All the service records are there from new!
If you are interested in this A8L, see the ad HERE.
