Audi 100 & 200 & 5000

The Audi 100, and its North American 5000 counterpart, represented a major step forward for the brand. Introduced across several generations (C1 to C4), it's best known for pioneering the use of the inline 5-cylinder engine and the advanced Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The 200 was the upmarket, high-performance version, often featuring a turbocharger that made it a formidable executive sedan in its day. In the U.S., the 5000's reputation was unfairly damaged by the "unintended acceleration" controversy, which suppressed values for decades.

Collectors are now rediscovering these cars, particularly the turbocharged Quattro variants. The 200 20V Turbo Quattro and the 5000 CS Turbo Quattro are the most desirable models, thanks to their connection to Audi's rally dominance and their advanced engineering. These cars offered a unique blend of performance, luxury, and all-weather capability that was rare for the period. Their sleek, aerodynamic styling, especially on the C3 generation, still looks modern.

The market for the 100/200/5000 series remains accessible, with an average price just over $11,000. While project cars can be found for a few thousand dollars, top sales reach over $30,000 for pristine, low-mileage examples of the 20V Turbo Quattro. This represents a growing appreciation for a significant car in Audi's history that was long overlooked.

Sold prices range from just over $2,000 for projects to $33,000 for top-tier collector examples.