The Audi Cabriolet at the IAA 30 years ago
08/31/2019
In fact, it was almost exactly 30 years ago that the first Audi convertible of modern times made its appearance, albeit initially as a study at the IAA.
Auto Motor und Sport wrote at the time:
"With a four-seater convertible study based on the front-wheel drive Audi Coupé, the VW subsidiary wants to test how well an open-top Audi is received by the public. But even if public opinion is positive, the realization of this convertible project is still far from a done deal. The reason for this is that the open-air Audi has been calculated with a price tag of just under 70,000 marks, which is likely to severely restrict the number of buyers."
Well, the Audi Cabriolet wasn't built until 1991, but it "only" cost DM 51,950. I myself bought an early demonstration car in 1992 and drove it for about a year.
The convertible was suitable for all-weather use and a delight in the sunshine, but it wasn't really fast, as the five-cylinder engine was a little sluggish, especially at higher highway speeds. On the other hand, shifting gears was fun. And the resale value after one year was also okay.
Today, the Audi Cabriolet 2.3E is considered an insider tip as a youngtimer, because the prices are still significantly lower than those of the competitor from Munich, although Gert Hack said after a comparative test in 1991 that the Audi was better than BMW would have liked.
In any case, the sound of the five-cylinder engine is still a very special pleasure today.
