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a red and yellow sports car parked in front of a buildinga red sports car that is parked in front of a buildinga red and yellow race car parked in front of a garagea close up of a steering wheel in a race cara close up of a yellow and red race cara close up of a yellow race car with its enginea yellow and red race car parked in front of a garagea red and yellow race car that is on a track
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43 - 2005 – Gumpert Apollo
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Estimate €550,000 - €750,000
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Description
2005 – Gumpert Apollo Chassis no. W09MTM2015WM81009 German registration certificate ‘The road-going prototype of the mid-2000s legend, sold by its creator’   Our shared history with the Gumpert Apollo undoubtedly began on 27 July 2008, during the final episode of the cult TV programme Top Gear. In it, Richard Hammond test-drives an Unidentified Rolling Object, straight out of the mind of a (not-so) mad German scientist. The performance figures seem out of this world, with the presenter explaining that, and I quote, ‘if you’re looking for a car you can proudly park in the Place du Casino in Monaco, this car isn’t for you, (…), the engineers at the Gumpert factory have gone down a different path: Hardcore Street…”. The beast weighs just over a tonne (1,100 kg) and is powered by a 4.2-litre twin-turbo V8 (the engine block is originally from Audi, the rest is home-built) producing 650 ch, all driven through a 7-speed sequential gearbox. Then came the fateful moment: the Stig’s track test, and the result was in… the beast broke the record, topping the rankings ahead of the Ascari K1 and the brand-new Koenigsegg CCX (no small feat…).   Let’s rewind… Gumpert… Roland Gumpert. This name probably resonates only with some of the greatest connoisseurs, but he is one of the most significant living legends in the history of motoring. As a young engineer, Roland Gumpert was the creator of the Volkswagen Iltis. Following a few successful trials of his little off-roader, two adventures stand out: the first was none other than the creation of the Quattro system – in other words, the widespread adoption of four-wheel drive in the automotive world – and the second was his participation in the Paris–Dakar rally, which – despite the idea having started out as nothing more than a publicity stunt for the Iltis, without any great ambition – culminated in a resounding victory (1st, 2nd and 4th in the 1980 Paris–Dakar). The young engineer thus achieved some of the most resounding successes for the brand with the Four Rings during his early years. Inspired by this, the management promoted him to head of Audi Sport… The year was 1981: Roland Gumpert thus arrived right in the midst of Audi Sport’s flagship programme at that time: winning in Group B. Building on his achievements from a few years earlier, he incorporated the brand-new four-wheel drive technology into the production Audi 80, creating the Audi Quattro. The result is well known to everyone: 25 victories and four World Rally Championship titles… When Group B was phased out in 1986, Audi offered Roland Gumpert the chance to continue the adventure on the racetrack, which he declined. This was followed by 14 years in more commercial roles, including as sales manager for the Asia-Pacific region, amongst others. Roland Gumpert remains a talented engineer, constantly striving for performance. In 2001, he therefore decided to leave the Audi Group to attempt to create the ultimate sports car, capable of winning on the track at the weekend and taking its owner to work during the week…    The car featured on these pages is none other than the prototype of the car that would be christened ‘Apollo’ in 2005. Our car is the very model which, according to Roland Gumpert’s account, achieved the two most significant milestones in this venture: registration for road use, and participation in an official race. These two milestones took place just a few days apart, and despite a lack of track time, this car finished third on the podium on 9 April 2005 at the Hockenheim circuit, in the Divinol Cup. The car arrived by road, made it onto the podium, and set off again by road: mission accomplished!   Since it first hit the road, #81009 has never left the hands of its creator, Roland Gumpert… This example is now in fine condition, entirely original, almost exactly as it was when it left the circuit in April 2005. Behind the wheel, you’re instantly transported to the atmosphere of a 2000s-era racing prototype, almost ready to line up on the starting grid… Its race-style cockpit is extremely rare even within this already exclusive production run. The roar of the V8 – part Audi, part Gumpert – adds to this sensation, further enhanced by the staggering acceleration this engine delivers! Most impressive of all is the downforce generated by the aerodynamic work carried out on this car… A true hypercar! In total, just over 70 Gumpert Apollos will be produced. Some are still used on a daily basis by enthusiasts to commute to work (yes, in Japan!), whilst others take pride of place in the finest collections of modern classics. One thing is certain: the example featured on these pages is the most significant of the production run – it is the prototype, the car used for type-approval, and, above all, the car that achieved the sporting feat of finishing third in an official race as a road car… At a time when the modern classics market is booming, don’t miss out on this living legend, which will soon be taking pride of place in the finest collections!
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About the sale Autoworld 2026 | Auction & Motion
Auction location
Auction time 10/10/2026 at 3:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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