Find of the Day: An Audi RS4 Avant America Never Got

A couple of weeks ago we reported that Doug DeMuro said the Audi B5 RS4 Avant is one of the greatest cars he has ever driven. Now on his Cars & Bids auction site, a 2001 Audi RS4 Avant is up for grabs. Coincidence? You can be the judge of that, but regardless, this is an opportunity to purchase a wonderful Audi wagon that was never officially sold in the U.S.

Finished in Avus Silver over an Onyx leather interior, this European-spec RS4 has traveled approximately 133,500 kilometers (about 83,600 miles) and is now titled in Washington. While it isn’t a concours-quality time capsule, it appears to have been driven, maintained, and thoughtfully upgraded throughout its life.

Under the hood is the car’s biggest draw, Audi’s legendary 375-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, sending power to all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Developed with help from Cosworth, the engine transformed the original S4 into one of the quickest wagons of its era, while quattro all-wheel drive ensured that performance could be enjoyed in almost any weather.

Factory equipment is exactly what enthusiasts hope to see. The build sheet lists 18-inch RS4 wheels, a power sunroof, heated and power-adjustable Recaro sport seats, carbon fiber interior trim, and a Bose audio system. It also wears the aggressive RS4-specific widebody that helped establish the blueprint for every fast Audi wagon that followed.

This particular car has received a handful of tasteful upgrades rather than a complete overhaul. The seller notes Bilstein PSS9 coilovers, Audi RS6 front brakes, and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, all modifications that enhance the driving experience while preserving the RS4’s original character.

Just as encouraging is the maintenance history. According to the seller, the car spent much of its life with Gramus International, the official Lamborghini, Lotus, and Koenigsegg dealer in Taiwan, before changing hands in 2013. Extensive service records accompany the sale, and recent work includes a new A/C compressor, clutch slave cylinder, fresh fluids, an airbag control module, and other maintenance items that should give prospective buyers additional confidence.

Like any 25-year-old performance car, it isn’t perfect. The listing notes cosmetic wear, including scratches, some repaint work on the driver’s side, and body filler in the driver’s door. Buyers in emissions-testing states should also do their homework before bidding, as imported vehicles can present registration challenges depending on local regulations.

Even with those caveats, opportunities to buy a legal U.S.-titled B5 RS4 Avant don’t come around very often. With bidding already underway, this Avus Silver icon represents a rare chance to own one of Audi’s most desirable RS models. Bidding ends on Monday, August 10.

View the Cars & Bids listing here.