What: 2009 Audi R8 4.2 quattro 6-Speed
Color: Audi Classic Red Pearl Effect (Classicrot Perleffekt; pearl effect; ALD 092 Q81; Audi)
VIN: WUAAU342X9N002136
Mileage: 23,000 miles
Price: $129,999.99
Location: La Jolla, CA
Listing: Link
The first-generation Audi R8 is often associated with a familiar selection of silver, black, white, and gray paint finishes. This 2009 example takes a considerably different approach.
The deep burgundy color changes dramatically with the light. In direct sunlight, the pearl finish reveals brighter red, magenta, and violet tones. Under cloud cover or in the shade, it takes on a much darker wine-red appearance. It is a color that rewards seeing the car from different angles, something the seller appears to understand based on the variety of lighting conditions represented in the listing photos.
According to the seller, Audi of America verified this as a one-of-one color combination. The paint is paired with exposed carbon-fiber side blades, a silver fuel cap, and black wheels. The original wheels have been replaced with forged wheels from a 2020 R8, which were powder-coated black and fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The newer wheel design gives the car a more contemporary appearance, while the remainder of the exterior retains the clean proportions of the original R8.
Inside, the R8 has a light beige leather interior contrasted by a black dashboard, dark center console, and aluminum trim. The combination gives the car the character of a traditional European grand tourer rather than an overtly aggressive supercar.
The most important detail sits in the center of the cabin. An exposed-gate six-speed manual transmission is paired with Audi’s naturally aspirated 4.2-liter FSI V8 and quattro all-wheel drive. That combination represents the original formula behind the production R8 before the model became more closely associated with its V10 engine and increasingly aggressive styling.
The seller reports that the front magnetic-ride shocks were rebuilt by Nagengast and installed approximately 1,000 miles ago. Available service records reportedly indicate that the rear shocks were replaced under previous ownership. The car also received an oil service approximately 1,000 miles ago.
A paint-meter inspection reportedly showed original paint around the vehicle. The seller discloses a small crack in the front bumper and another small crack in the grille, reportedly caused by contacting a car parked in front of it inside a garage. The R8 is being sold with a clean title, while the AutoCheck information displayed in the listing reports three owners and no accidents.
With 23,000 miles, the car is being offered in La Jolla, California, for $129,999.99. The early R8, naturally aspirated V8, exposed-gate manual transmission, and Audi exclusive paint already make for an unusual combination.
Classic Red Pearl Effect gives it an entirely different personality. Rather than emphasizing the R8’s connections to contemporary supercars, the dark red pearl paint and light leather interior make this example feel more mature and understated. Add the seller’s claim that the complete color combination is one of one, and it becomes considerably more distinctive than its equipment list or mileage might initially suggest.
