Hey car enthusiasts, let's dive into something truly special today – the 1987 Audi Coupe GT. This isn't just any old car; it's a canvas for passion projects and a testament to what happens when dedication meets automotive engineering. The Audi Coupe GT, in its '87 iteration, was already a pretty neat package, blending sporty looks with Audi's signature quattro all-wheel-drive system. But for those who truly love to tinker and elevate, it becomes a prime candidate for a special build. This article is all about celebrating those unique creations, exploring why the '87 Coupe GT is such a gem for customizers, and highlighting some of the incredible modifications people have done to make these cars stand out.

When you think about the 1987 Audi Coupe GT, you're looking at a car that was part of Audi's effort to compete in the more stylish, coupe segment. It shared its platform with the Audi 80/90 series, which meant it had a solid foundation. The GT moniker, of course, hinted at performance, and it generally delivered with a punchy five-cylinder engine – a real Audi hallmark back then. The styling was angular, fitting the late 80s aesthetic, with a sleek profile that still holds up today. What made it particularly appealing for special builds, however, was its inherent potential. The chassis was robust, the engine bay had room for creativity, and the overall design offered a great starting point for both aesthetic and performance enhancements. Guys love taking a car with good bones and injecting their own personality and power into it, and the '87 Coupe GT is practically begging for that kind of attention. It’s not an everyday supercar, which makes a well-executed custom build even more impressive and unique.

The Allure of the Five-Cylinder

One of the most significant draws of the 1987 Audi Coupe GT for special builds is its iconic five-cylinder engine. Audi really leaned into the unique character of these engines, and the ones found in the Coupe GT were no exception. These engines offered a distinctive sound and a smooth power delivery that five-cylinder enthusiasts absolutely adore. For builders, this is a fantastic starting point. You can extract more power through tuning, larger turbochargers, upgraded fuel systems, and better exhaust notes. Some builders even go as far as swapping in later, more potent five-cylinder engines from Audi's performance models, like those found in the RS3 or TT RS, though this is a significantly more involved process. The beauty of the five-cylinder is its inherent balance and the unique exhaust note – it’s not a V6, it’s not an inline-four, it’s something wonderfully different. Guys who build these cars often talk about the soul of the engine, and the Audi five-banger definitely has it in spades. It provides a characterful foundation that can be enhanced to deliver seriously impressive performance, making your special build not just look fast, but actually be fast.

The five-cylinder engine in the 1987 Audi Coupe GT is more than just an engine; it's a statement. In an era dominated by inline-fours and V6s, Audi's commitment to the five-cylinder configuration set them apart. This unique layout results in a distinctive engine note that's immediately recognizable and deeply satisfying for enthusiasts. For those embarking on a special build, this unique characteristic is often preserved and even amplified. Tuning the existing engine can unlock significant horsepower gains. Upgrades might include performance camshafts, a larger intercooler, a more aggressive ECU tune, and a free-flowing exhaust system. The goal is often to enhance the engine's natural strengths while adding a bit more audible drama. Many builders also explore forced induction, adding or upgrading turbochargers to significantly boost power output. This approach requires careful attention to supporting modifications, such as stronger internal engine components, an upgraded fuel delivery system, and a more efficient cooling system. The five-cylinder's compact yet potent nature makes it adaptable to these performance enhancements, allowing for a substantial increase in horsepower without necessarily compromising the car's overall balance. The torque curve can be tuned for exhilarating acceleration, making the car feel lively and responsive. Furthermore, the auditory experience of a tuned five-cylinder is a major part of the appeal. A custom exhaust system can further refine the engine's characteristic growl, turning heads wherever you go. The distinct firing order and displacement contribute to a sound profile that's both aggressive and refined, a perfect accompaniment to the car's sporty demeanor. It’s this blend of unique character, inherent robustness, and tunability that makes the five-cylinder engine a cornerstone of many 1987 Audi Coupe GT special builds, offering a compelling reason for enthusiasts to choose this platform for their custom projects.

The QuATTRO Advantage

For the 1987 Audi Coupe GT, the quattro all-wheel-drive system is a massive selling point, especially for anyone considering a special build. This legendary system, which Audi pioneered in rally racing, provides incredible traction and stability. In a custom car, this translates to a more engaging driving experience and the ability to put down significantly more power without drama. When you're building a car, you're often thinking about how it will handle and perform under stress. The quattro system is already a proven performer. For a special build, it means you can focus more on engine power and suspension tuning, knowing that the drivetrain can handle the torque and deliver it effectively to the road. It’s a huge advantage over rear-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive platforms when you're aiming for serious performance. Guys who track their cars or enjoy spirited driving absolutely love the confidence that quattro inspires. It allows for higher cornering speeds and better acceleration out of turns. Plus, it adds a unique character to the car's driving dynamics, making it feel planted and secure, even when pushing its limits. The engineering behind the quattro system is complex, but its benefits are immediately apparent, making the '87 Coupe GT a highly desirable platform for building a capable and exhilarating machine that can handle diverse driving conditions with aplomb. It’s this blend of performance, safety, and engineering prowess that makes the quattro system a cornerstone of the 1987 Audi Coupe GT’s appeal for custom builds.

The quattro all-wheel-drive system equipped in the 1987 Audi Coupe GT is more than just an optional extra; it's a defining characteristic that significantly enhances its appeal for special builds. Audi's pioneering implementation of AWD, born from rally racing dominance, offers unparalleled traction and stability, transforming the driving experience. For customizers, this system provides a robust foundation for maximizing performance. The inherent grip offered by quattro allows builders to confidently increase engine power, knowing that the drivetrain can effectively manage and distribute torque to all four wheels. This minimizes wheelspin and maximizes acceleration, especially from a standstill or out of corners. It’s a substantial advantage over traditional RWD or FWD platforms when the goal is outright performance. Enthusiasts who plan to track their vehicles or engage in spirited road driving will find the confidence-inspiring nature of quattro to be invaluable. It enables higher cornering speeds and improved acceleration out of bends, making the car feel incredibly responsive and secure. The system's ability to dynamically adjust torque distribution between the front and rear axles, and often between the left and right rear wheels (depending on the specific differential setup), provides exceptional control in various driving conditions. This means the car feels planted and stable, even when pushed to its limits. The engineering behind quattro is sophisticated, involving complex center and rear differentials that work in harmony. However, the tangible benefits are immediately evident to anyone behind the wheel. This makes the '87 Coupe GT an exceptionally desirable platform for creating a high-performance machine capable of handling diverse driving conditions with poise and confidence. It's this sophisticated integration of power, control, and advanced engineering that solidifies the quattro system's role as a key element in the 1987 Audi Coupe GT's allure for dedicated builders seeking a truly exceptional custom vehicle.

Aesthetic Enhancements and Body Kits

Beyond the mechanical aspects, the 1987 Audi Coupe GT is a fantastic base for aesthetic enhancements. The car's classic 80s design, with its clean lines and somewhat understated elegance, offers a perfect canvas for personalization. Many special builds focus on updating the car's look to a more modern or aggressive stance. This can involve anything from subtle upgrades like new wheels and updated lighting to more extensive modifications like custom body kits. Think about widebody conversions that give the car a much more muscular presence, or aerodynamic enhancements like spoilers and diffusers that not only look cool but can also improve high-speed stability. The goal is often to make the car look as good as it performs. Guys who build these cars often pour a lot of effort into ensuring the bodywork is flawless, the paint is deep and lustrous, and the overall aesthetic is cohesive. Some opt for a clean, OEM+ look, using period-correct Audi accessories or subtle styling cues from other models. Others go for a full-blown custom aesthetic, making their Coupe GT unmistakably their own. The beauty of customizing a car like this is the sheer variety of directions you can take. You can choose to pay homage to its heritage with a period-correct rally-inspired build, or you can push the boundaries with a completely modern, track-focused look. The 1987 Audi Coupe GT provides that flexibility, allowing builders to express their creativity and engineering skills through both mechanical and visual modifications. It’s about making the car a reflection of the owner’s vision and passion.

When considering the aesthetic enhancements for a 1987 Audi Coupe GT, the possibilities are vast, allowing builders to transform the car's visual presence significantly. The car's inherent design, characterized by its sharp lines and balanced proportions typical of 1980s automotive styling, serves as an excellent foundation for both subtle refinements and radical restyling. Many special builds aim to modernize the car's appearance, giving it a more contemporary edge or a more aggressive, performance-oriented stance. This can range from relatively simple modifications, such as fitting larger, more modern alloy wheels with a suitable offset, to upgrading the lighting systems with LED or projector-style headlights and taillights for improved visibility and a sleeker look. For those seeking a more dramatic transformation, custom body kits are a popular choice. Widebody kits, in particular, are frequently employed to give the Coupe GT a much more imposing and muscular silhouette, accommodating wider wheels and tires for enhanced grip and a more athletic appearance. Aerodynamic components, including front splitters, side skirts, rear diffusers, and spoilers, can be added not only to improve high-speed stability and handling but also to create a visually striking effect. The overarching objective for many builders is to harmonize the car's aesthetics with its enhanced performance, ensuring it looks as capable as it performs. Meticulous attention is often paid to the quality of the bodywork, ensuring smooth lines, perfect panel gaps, and a flawless paint finish in a color that complements the car's character. Some owners prefer a subtle, understated