Despite how this sporty 1995 Audi RS2 Avant wagon was listed on eBay, it isn’t from 1979. Can you imagine telling someone in 1979 that you were buying a Porsche-built station wagon that accelerated to 60 in under five seconds?
Americans who didn’t obsessively hoard European car magazines in the mid-1990s might be confused. After all, we never saw the Audi RS2 Avant officially here in the US. No, Europe kept the good stuff for themselves back then. This Audi wagon with Porsche origins came to the US with about 100,000 miles on the odometer.
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Not So Subtle Clues
Those wheels look familiar, don’t they? What about the badges on the grille and deck lid? These features are a touch beyond what one would expect from Audi. That’s because the Audi 1995 RS2 Avant was modified by and assembled at a Porsche factory in Zuffenhausen.
Those alloy wheels are the same as found on the Porsche 911 Turbo of the time. That’s fitting, as the 2.2-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder beneath the long hood of this RS2 Avant wagon pumps out 311 horsepower to all four wheels.
The Porsche name is emblazoned on the cam cover, and "911" is shown on the door mirrors.
Audi/Porsche produced fewer than 3,000 RS2 Avants. They are desired by enthusiasts who have become priced out of the Porsche market—or those who need Porsche performance paired with wagon utility.
Used Not Abused
This particular 1995 RS2 Avant isn’t a low-mileage show queen. It saw service between Italy, Monaco, and France (including a time with an Audi technician) before it migrated to the States. It has a few blemishes, mostly on interior panels that show a few scratches. The leather seats look to be moderately worn—nothing concerning, though an attentive owner would preserve them for the future.
The all-wheel-drive Quattro system found here and on most Audis means this could make for an excellent year-round classic. In addition, it’s a genuinely practical car that can haul stuff in the cargo area.
Its southern European history kept this Audi away from salty roads, so we’d suggest protecting your investment by washing any salt away after snowy drives. But whatever you do, drive it!
The $69,000 Buy-It-Now price might seem steep for a 27-year-old station wagon. But consider how few of these are on the road and what it would take to get this kind of performance and style today.
One could buy a Porsche-branded wagon now from a dealership, but it’d cost well into six figures. So in that light, the 995 Audi RS2 Avant for sale on eBay is a bargain that would bring grins to anyone sliding behind the wheel.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.