The saying goes that you don’t know what you’ve got until it's gone, and this sentiment rings true when considering the Audi TT. It was a consistently good car, but its absence is now keenly felt, and the Audi homepage appears noticeably plainer without it.

The Appeal of a Manual TT S

While the Audi TT was often praised for its overall quality, enthusiasts sometimes criticized its lack of driver engagement. A Porsche Cayman offers a more tactile sports car experience. However, the Mk3 TT, now discontinued, has plenty to offer, especially this particular model due to its six-speed manual transmission.

A Unique Specification

Like the contemporary Golf R, the Dual Shift Gearbox (DSG) was a natural fit for the TT S, providing quicker acceleration, better fuel economy, and complementing the all-wheel drive system. However, seeing a gearstick with numbers on top in a relatively recent TT S feels surprisingly unusual – and appealing.

This six-speed manual, while perhaps a bit light in action, is enjoyable to use and allows drivers to fully explore the engine's character. Unlike the DSG, it doesn’t offer automatic gear changes or the associated exhaust sounds.

Immaculate Condition and History

As the most powerful Mk3 TT available with a manual gearbox, this coupe is a standout. Its condition is remarkable, with the sole owner from new having maintained it meticulously. Notably, it has passed eight MOT tests without a single advisory in almost 50,000 miles.

The original owner clearly cherished this TT, specifying it with Nappa Leather Super Sports Seats, the Audi Phone Box, and the Tech pack. The red exterior with sensible wheels completes the look.

A Rare Find

Given the rarity of this specification, determining its value at £18,500 is challenging. While alternatives like the Jaguar F-Type, Porsche Cayman, Mercedes-Benz SLC, and BMW Z4 from 2015 are available, the manual transmission and exceptional condition make this Audi TT S particularly intriguing. It serves as a potent reminder of the TT’s considerable talents and is arguably one of the best examples available.