A few weeks ago, a strikingly bright yellow 1997 Audi Cabriolet became my review car. The weather was less than ideal for a convertible – overcast, breezy, and threatening rain. Despite the less-than-perfect conditions, I was eager to experience this 90s classic.
Explore this vibrant 1997 Audi Cabriolet, currently up for auction on Cars & Bids. See the auction and place your bid here.
Hello everyone! Alanis King here, some of you might remember me from Jalopnik. Now, I’m part of the team at Doug DeMuro’s auction site, Cars & Bids, where I create car reviews for our YouTube channel.
Interestingly, both convertibles I’ve reviewed for Cars & Bids have been under rainy skies. It’s almost as if the weather is conspiring for a bit of fun, and honestly, I’m here for it.
When choosing cars to review from the Cars & Bids auction submissions, this particular Cabriolet immediately grabbed my attention. Two things stood out: its relative obscurity in the American market and that eye-catching “Brilliant Yellow” paint. It was like a moth to a flame – I had to check it out.
The Audi Cabriolet made its way to the United States in the 1990s and remained available for a few model years. It was built upon the foundation of the Audi 90, itself considered a more premium version of the Audi 80. The Audi 80 is significant as it was the predecessor to the modern Audi A4, Audi’s entry into the compact executive car segment, which has since branched into various body styles like coupes and wagons.
Unpacking the “Cabriolet” Name
If you’re unfamiliar with the Audi Cabriolet, you might question the lack of a specific model designation between “Audi” and “Cabriolet.” “Cabriolet” is simply the term Audi used to denote a convertible. Calling it the “Audi Cabriolet” is akin to calling it the “Audi Convertible” or “Audi Drop-top.” While functional, it’s not the most specific name. Modern Audi convertibles, like the “Audi A5 Cabriolet,” offer a clearer naming convention with manufacturer, model, and body style descriptor.
The name “Audi Cabriolet” perfectly encapsulates the 90s automotive naming trends – simple and descriptive, but not exactly SEO-friendly in today’s world. In fact, trying to research this car online can be a bit challenging due to its generic name. Go ahead, search “Audi Cabriolet” and see what you find. It’s a testament to a pre-Google era.
Princess Diana and the Audi Cabriolet’s Brief Fame
The Audi 80 Cabriolet, the European counterpart to the car we’re discussing, experienced a moment in the spotlight during the 90s. Princess Diana was famously gifted an Audi 80 Cabriolet by a dealership and drove it for four months, accumulating 4,000 miles before returning it. The numerous photographs of Princess Diana driving her Audi 80 Cabriolet significantly boosted its sales. When her car was auctioned off years later, the auction house even called it “possibly the most photographed car of the summer of 1994.”
American Reception and Rarity
Unfortunately, the American-market 1997 Audi Cabriolet didn’t achieve the same level of fame. Edmunds pointed to its high price and somewhat dated design as reasons for sluggish sales when it was new. Buyers in the market at the time were often drawn to competitors like the BMW 3 Series, Saab 900, and even the Ford Mustang. The New York Times echoed the price concern, noting a $40,200 price tag in 1994. Adjusted for inflation, that’s roughly $83,000 in today’s money, while a brand new 2024 Audi A4 sedan starts at a much more accessible $41,200.
Audi sold approximately 6,000 Cabriolets in the US before discontinuing it in 1998. Its departure coincided with the arrival of its spiritual successor, the Audi TT. The combination of low US sales figures and this particular car’s vibrant yellow paint makes this 1997 Audi Cabriolet a genuinely rare find.
Rainy Day Driving Delights
The rain persisted throughout my time with the Cabriolet. Rescheduling the shoot wasn’t an option due to my Texas-wide filming schedule. So, I proceeded with filming under a hotel awning in the chilly wind, taking breaks to warm up with guest towels courtesy of a sympathetic front desk.
Despite the weather, and soaked clothes, driving the 1997 Cabriolet was genuinely enjoyable. This model features a 172-horsepower V6 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. Being a luxury car of its era, it still delivers a luxurious driving experience. The suspension effectively smoothed out rough roads, the cabin was quiet, and thanks to the previous owner’s care, the interior felt surprisingly fresh and new. It was like stepping back into 1997.
The four-speed automatic did feel a bit dated compared to modern cars with their many gears. There was a noticeable range between 20 and 40 mph where the car accelerated without shifting, prompting a momentary “where are the rest of the gears?” thought. However, I quickly adjusted to the four-speed gearbox, and the rest of the driving experience was a pleasure.
Driving a convertible in the rain isn’t usually ideal. But driving a rare and stylish car like this 1997 Audi Cabriolet, even under cloudy skies, is always a treat. This yellow Cabriolet certainly brightened up a gray day.
I only wished it could have provided some warmth while I was filming next to it!
*[Ed Note*: This is the first car review from our friends at Cars & Bids, featuring a car for sale. Expect more reviews from Alanis, Doug DeMuro, and Kennan Rolsen in the future. Doug’s upcoming review, in particular, features a car that’s an all-time favorite of mine and one I almost bought myself. Any guesses on what it could be? – MH]
