words: Bill, photos: Bring A Trailer
Ok I’m going to put this out there…yes, I know this is not Paul Newman’s personal vehicle. Several weeks ago, this same Avant popped up for sale and there was confusion on whether or not Paul actually owned it or not and then it delved into a heated conversation. I was planning on doing a FOTD but held off and eventually forgot about it. But then, it popped up again on Bring A Trailer.
I just spent the weekend with a B6 Nogaro Blue S4 Avant so the want is still strong and real. This S4 Avant was originally purchased by Nell Newman (Paul’s daughter) for their organic and pet food production company, Newman’s Own Organic so there’s the connection.
Here’s the ad:
This 2005 Audi S4 Avant is the only example from the model year finished in Aquamarine Blue Metallic and was reportedly ordered new by Nell Newman for Newman’s Own Organics. Power is provided by a 4.2-liter V8, which drives all four wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission. Features include a silver leather interior with the Premium package, and a Milltek exhaust system has been added along with Hotchkis sway bars and refinished 18” BBS wheels. A timing chain service was conducted at 111k miles, and the car was purchased by the seller two and a half years ago. Now showing 120k miles, this S4 Avant is offered at no reserve with a clean Carfax report, binder of receipts, manuals, a letter from Audi, and a clean Alabama title in the seller’s name.
Special-order Aquamarine Blue Metallic paint is shown up close in the gallery below. The left rear door and tailgate were reportedly refinished when a bicycle fell off the roof rack under previous ownership, and the hood and front valance were repainted to correct chips according to the seller. A scratch in the rear bumper cover is noted along with a chip in the front license plate filler. No accidents or other incidents of damage are shown on the Carfax report.
The car features silver roof rails and side mirror housings, as well as 18″ BBS wheels that were refinished in January 2019. The Michelin tires were installed 8k miles ago, and a matching spare is included in the trunk. Hotchkis sway bars were added, the brakes were serviced, and power steering hoses were replaced under current ownership.
The car is shown in the video above being driven by Dick Barbour, longtime friend of the Newman family and co-driver with Paul Newman at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The cabin is upholstered in silver leather over heated Recaro front seats and wears black trim with wood accents on the doors, dash, and center console. The car was ordered with the Premium Package including a sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, light sensors, and other amenities. New blue and black Coco mats were added last year.
Approximately 120k miles are indicated on the odometer, 8k of which were added by the seller. An air conditioning service was reportedly carried out under the seller’s ownership, and the stock CD player is noted to operate inconsistently.
The 4.2-liter DOHC V8 was rated at 340 horsepower when new and is paired with a 6-speed manual transaxle and Quattro all-wheel drive system. Audi specialist Anderson Motorsports reportedly conducted an engine-out timing chain service in 2016 that included new tensioners, rails, bearings, valve cover gaskets, and more at 111k miles. A new clutch was also installed. A Milltek exhaust system was added under previous ownership.
A cold-start video is provided above.
The letter above shows correspondence from Audi of America regarding the unique exterior finish and other options. The Carfax shows history in California, Colorado, and Alabama across three owners from new.
Look how clean that engine is. You could eat off of it, maybe with some Newman’s Own pasta sauce. I’m not too crazy about the coco mats nor the wood interior trim (in fact, I hate them) but those can be easily replaced. Also, after spending a lot of time with the Nogaro, the Aquamarine Blue seems dull in comparison but it’s still a V8 B6 S4 Avant with a manual transmission…nothing else should matter.
At the time of this writing, the bid is up to $11, 500 and ends in 18 hours. You can find the ad HERE.
