Unique Audi TT Roadster restomod: a tribute to the 1995 concept
The first generation Audi TT is one of the defining design models of the 1990s. It is a true Bauhaus-style masterpiece, where circles and arcs combined with the platform of an ordinary Golf. Dutch architect and designer Joost Bijenhof is so passionate about this car that he commissioned a unique restomod inspired by the original concept.
The project was realized by the Autoforma studio, led by designer Niels van Rooij. He is known for creating exclusive Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars for clients with particular tastes. The donor car was a first-generation roadster from 1999, but the final vehicle shed the most utilitarian elements of the production version to get closer to the purity of the concept.
Design and exterior changes
The most noticeable change is the removal of the folding fabric roof. It was replaced with a custom body-colored cover that visually extends the rear deck. The rear spoiler, antenna, and third brake light were also removed, making the design significantly cleaner.
The roadster received new lower bumpers and side skirts made of carbon fiber. They feature narrower front air intakes, an unobtrusive side vent, and a minimalist rear diffuser. Other highlights include much smaller mirrors mounted on the glass and special front fenders with integrated side gills. For this, the washer fluid reservoir had to be relocated to the trunk.
The unique TTS Roadster is painted in a two-tone scheme: a glossy Nimbus Gray Pearl Effect for the upper body and matte gray for the lower part, the six-spoke wheels, and the windshield surround. The interior is upholstered in brown leather, and it is now permanently open.
Technical features and engine
Under the body, the TT received a lowered suspension and a widened track, giving it a more confident stance. The company did not mention any performance upgrades, so the roadster likely retains the turbocharged 1.8-liter engine. In the quattro version, it produces 222 hp (225 hp) paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The naturally aspirated 3.2-liter VR6 with 247 hp only appeared in 2003.
Uniqueness and future of the model
Autoforma does not disclose the cost of the modifications but confirms that the TTS Roadster will remain a one-off. The car belongs to Dutch designer Joost Bijenhof, known for his eyewear and interior architecture studio, who was closely involved in the creation process.
The last production Audi TT rolled off the assembly line in Győr, Hungary, in November 2023. This ended the model’s 25-year history, which spanned three generations and 662,762 units sold. The name could return in 2027 as a fully electric sports car, for which the Concept C served as a precursor.
This project demonstrates how a designer’s vision can transform an already iconic car into something even more expressive. The removal of the roof and the simplification of the lines bring the production model closer to its original source — the 1995 concept that once amazed the public. It is worth noting that such restomods often become not only a tribute to the past but also a kind of bridge to the future, reminding us of the importance of original design even in the era of electrification.