An amazing first-generation Audi TT Roadster, seen in Beijing in… the summer of 2024! The TT was already ultra rare in China when new, but to see such a perfect example today is just mindblowing.
I met this TT Roadster in July 2024 in southwest Beijing. It was parked on the side of a very busy road, and I had to be very quick to take this pic, avoiding bikes, scooters, and buses. But it was worth it. The TT Roadster was in great shape, painted in silver with a black convertible top and riding on the original seven-spoke alloy wheels.
The Audi TT Roadster
Audi built the first-generation TT Roadster from 1999 to 2006. It used the Volkswagen Group’s PQ34 platform, which also supported the Volkswagen Golf MK4 and Audi A3, among others. But the TT was by far the most beautiful car on that platform. The TT Roadster in the photos wears silver paint and features the post-recall rear spoiler, a brake light under the rear window, and an old-school antenna on top of the rear fender.
The interior
It is highly unusual to see a car of this age without seat covers, but here we are. The black leather seats look great for their age, but they do need a little maintenance. The owner did add a steering wheel cover and red floor mats.
Specifications of the Audi TT Roadster
On the left is a TT badge, and on the right a quattro badge. The TT was available with a 1.8 turbo four and a 3.2-liter V6. The silver car we have here has the 1.8 under the hood, with an output of 180 hp and 235 Nm. The motor was mated to a 6-speed manual, sending horsepower to all four wheels.
Price in China
Amazingly, Audi officially sold the Audi TT Roadster in China. The TT served as a halo model for the China-made sedans and SUVs. The Audi TT Roadster 1.8T sold for 485.000 yuan in 2004, which was extremely expensive at the time, so sales were slow to begin with, and today these sporty Audis are ultra rare.
One of the best I have ever seen. I bet the owner loves this TT almost as much as I do. It sure ain’t easy to keep it on the road until today, parts are hard to find, and the emissions regulations are hard to get around. But if one loves a car just enough and is willing to spend a few extra yuan, everything is possible in China. May this TT Roadster stay around for a long time!