Audi’s ex-race car sales program draws stronger-than-expected demand
Audi sees demand surge for former factory race cars
Audi’s ex-race car sales program draws stronger-than-expected demand
Audi’s sale of former RS5 DTM racers and R18 e-tron quattro prototypes has sparked stronger-than-expected demand, with rare factory-built race cars selling quickly and deliveries beginning to slip.
2026-04-24T06:43:02+03:00
2026-04-24T06:43:02+03:00
2026-04-24T06:43:02+03:00
Audi has launched a sales program for former RS5 DTM race cars and LMP1 prototypes, including the R18 e-tron quattro, but demand for the rare models has exceeded the company’s expectations. As a result, customer deliveries have begun to slip, while interest from collectors continues to grow.The Audi Sport Racing Legends program covers the sale of factory race cars previously campaigned in DTM and endurance racing. In its first year, the company sold several rare examples, including three DTM Class One cars and one LMP prototype.Among the models sold were the Audi RS5 DTM and the hybrid R18 e-tron quattro prototype. All of the cars found owners in less than a year, underscoring strong demand in the historic racing car segment.The strongest demand is focused on cars from the Class One era (1993–2020) and Le Mans prototypes. These machines are valued not only as collector pieces, but also as part of Audi’s motorsport history.The company also points to growing interest in events such as the CLASS ONE Revival, where former factory drivers return to the wheel of historic race cars. That is further boosting the value of such machines and stimulating the market.The sale of racing cars is becoming a new direction for automakers, allowing them to monetize their historic legacy. Audi is effectively opening a new segment: the market for factory race cars with documented history. Against rivals such as Ferrari and Porsche, which also work with historic models, Audi is strengthening its position in the collectible-car niche. For customers, it is a chance to acquire unique machinery with genuine racing pedigree.
Audi, Audi Sport Racing Legends, RS5 DTM, R18 e-tron quattro, factory race cars, historic racing cars, collectible cars, motorsport heritage, Class One, Le Mans prototypes
2026
Michael Powers
news
Audi sees demand surge for former factory race cars
Audi’s sale of former RS5 DTM racers and R18 e-tron quattro prototypes has sparked stronger-than-expected demand, with rare factory-built race cars selling quickly and deliveries beginning to slip.
Michael Powers, Editor
Audi has launched a sales program for former RS5 DTM race cars and LMP1 prototypes, including the R18 e-tron quattro, but demand for the rare models has exceeded the company’s expectations. As a result, customer deliveries have begun to slip, while interest from collectors continues to grow.
The Audi Sport Racing Legends program covers the sale of factory race cars previously campaigned in DTM and endurance racing. In its first year, the company sold several rare examples, including three DTM Class One cars and one LMP prototype.
Among the models sold were the Audi RS5 DTM and the hybrid R18 e-tron quattro prototype. All of the cars found owners in less than a year, underscoring strong demand in the historic racing car segment.
The strongest demand is focused on cars from the Class One era (1993–2020) and Le Mans prototypes. These machines are valued not only as collector pieces, but also as part of Audi’s motorsport history.
The company also points to growing interest in events such as the CLASS ONE Revival, where former factory drivers return to the wheel of historic race cars. That is further boosting the value of such machines and stimulating the market.
The sale of racing cars is becoming a new direction for automakers, allowing them to monetize their historic legacy. Audi is effectively opening a new segment: the market for factory race cars with documented history. Against rivals such as Ferrari and Porsche, which also work with historic models, Audi is strengthening its position in the collectible-car niche. For customers, it is a chance to acquire unique machinery with genuine racing pedigree.
