This V8, Manual Audi R8 Is A Future Classic For The Price Of A TT

If Audi really is going to allow the R8 to fade into a quiet retirement, to be replaced by electrified future-coupes, now’s the time to buy one – before values go through the roof.

Arguably the definitive, classic R8 was the very first. Built with a gated manual gearbox and a 414bhp V8 that sounded like God’s own adult movie, it had an incredible balance of speed, handling, driver involvement and style. Eventually canned because the likes of the RS6 and even the TT RS Plus had become faster than it, the V8 manual is still the one that really steams our clams.

In a rare twist of good fortune it’s also the cheapest kind of R8 you’ll find in the classifieds. About three nanoseconds of searching turned-up one for less than £32,000, but since the dealer selling it has only provided one picture and they couldn’t even get the whole car into the frame, we think we’ll give that one a miss. Matt’ll go mad.

Instead, this is the next-cheapest manual V8 on Auto Trader. Dressed all in Phantom Black over silver five-twin-spoke wheels, it’s a classic shape and all the better for its understated colours. It’s black on the inside, too; leather seats sitting among a long list of handy kit.

Parking sensors at both ends, a CD changer, Audi Navigation Plus, Bluetooth, the all-important Magnetic Ride, automatic headlights and just 64,000 miles grace its timeless body. It also has a ‘dim view mirror,’ which we can only assume is a mirror into which you’re meant to frown at stuff.

For the privilege of putting it on your drive you’ll be asked for £35,000, or the same as a brand new 226bhp Audi TT Coupe in S line spec. A difficult decision? The latest TT is really good, but we’d always pick the R8.