Dutch firm Autoforma has unveiled a stunning tribute to the 1995 Audi TTS – the concept car that foreshadowed the original convertible TT several years prior to its market debut.
While the production TT launched with only minor alterations, Autoforma's new restomod essentially reverses those changes, restoring the compact roadster to its initial vision.
Significant modifications include squarer, narrower grille openings in the lower front bumper; the reintroduction of vents on the front fenders; and the replacement of the fabric soft top with a hard panel that sits flush with the rear deck. The spoiler, which was added to the production TT shortly after its 1998 debut, has also been removed.
Concurrently, the suspension has been lowered and the track widened, imparting a more aggressive, performance-oriented stance.
Rounding out the package is a primer-gray paint scheme, reminiscent of the original TTS concept, along with the distinctive baseball-glove leather interior, a popular option on the production model.
The Autoforma TTS was commissioned by Jos Baijens, a Dutch eyewear and interior designer who was among the nation's very first TT owners back in 1998.
The company stated that Baijens played a pivotal role in "co-designing" the vehicle, crafting his ultimate vision for the TT.
Autoforma's creation of this restomod signals a shift in how the TT is perceived. While it was an industry disruptor and a strong seller upon its 1998 introduction, it gradually lost its allure through its second and third generations, concurrently with a decline in buyer demand for compact coupes. This ultimately led to its discontinuation in 2023.
For years, the values of first-generation TTs remained quite low, attributed to high production volumes and a somewhat diminished public image. However, that trend has now reversed, with particularly well-maintained examples currently fetching five-figure sums.
Last year, Audi unveiled the Concept C, offering a glimpse at the sports car poised to spearhead the brand's reinvention – drawing inspiration from the original Mk1 TT in both its ethos and aesthetic.
Much like its predecessor, this concept marks a significant departure from Audi's recent design language and is anticipated to enter production largely unaltered.
Source: autocar.co.uk
