Volkswagen - Phaeton - 2004

GENERAL:
This 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is a remarkable example of automotive engineering, featuring a mileage of approximately 155,000 kilometers on the odometer. It is a full-length luxury sedan equipped with the flagship 6.0-liter W12 engine, a masterpiece of packaging that produces 420 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque. Historically, this model represents Ferdinand Piëch's personal obsession with perfection, built at Volkswagen's famous Transparent Factory in Dresden on the D1 platform, which it shared with the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur. Piëch famously set ten demanding parameters for the car, including the ability to drive all day at 300 km/h in 50°C ambient temperatures while maintaining a cabin temperature of 22°C. This vehicle is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive, pneumatic air suspension with adaptive dampers, heated, ventilated, and massaging seats at all four positions, and adaptive cruise control, all of which are present and fully operational. The road tax is paid through August 2026. A full winter wheel set is included with the sale, and while the initial listing notes a pickup in Tallinn, Estonia, the vehicle is currently located in central Riga, Latvia, and is available for inspection by appointment.

BODYWORK & PAINT:
The bodywork is in solid condition for the age and class of the vehicle. The car is finished in an elegant factory Black paint, and the finish retains good depth and gloss overall. There are a few light surface scratches on the exterior, which are minor cosmetic marks consistent with regular use that do not penetrate to the metal. No rust has been identified on the body panels, sills, or wheel arches, pointing to the high-quality galvanized steel and aluminum construction used by the factory. The rubber door seals and window surrounds are intact and flexible, with no cracking or hardening observed. The windows are free of chips or cracks, and the chrome trim remains in presentable condition. No welding repairs have been carried out, and none are required at present, showcasing the natural, honest patina of a well-cared-for luxury vehicle.

TECHNICAL:
The legendary 6.0-liter W12 engine starts reliably both cold and warm, idles smoothly, and pulls cleanly through the rev range with no hesitation or misfires. The 155,000 kilometers covered are considered modest for this robust powerplant given its proper maintenance history. The 5-speed automatic gearbox shifts correctly through all positions with no slipping, jerking, or delay, sending power flawlessly to the permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive system. The pneumatic air suspension functions exactly as designed, allowing the car to rise and level correctly while holding its ride height without dropping over time. There are no oil leaks present at either the engine or the gearbox. The brakes were recently replaced and show approximately 10% wear, making them effectively new. The car is currently fitted with winter tires showing approximately 60% tread remaining, providing good service life ahead, and the additional winter wheel set is included in the sale. No outstanding technical work is required.

INTERIOR:
The interior is in good condition and remains fully original, showcasing the draft-free 4-zone Climatronic climate control system unique to the Phaeton. The cabin features premium perforated leather upholstery throughout, which perfectly complements the heated and ventilated seat functions that operate correctly. There is light, honest wear on the left bolster of the driver's seat consistent with regular entry and exit over the years, which has not been artificially recolored or touched up. The gear selector trim has a visible cosmetic imperfection, which is a surface-level aesthetic issue that does not affect the selector's mechanical function. The headliner is intact with no sagging, staining, or damage. All four seat positions have been tested and operate correctly, including the individual heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Electrically, the blower, all power windows, central locking, mirrors, and instrument cluster operate without fault. The original audio system is fully functional, and the dashboard and steering wheel are in good condition with no significant wear.

DOCUMENTS:
The car is sold with its original document wallet, containing the manufacturer's service booklets complete with stamps, alongside the official Latvian Republic vehicle registration certificate. Two vehicle keys are included in the sale, along with both original remote controls for the factory-fitted Webasto autonomous heater. Photos of all documents will be provided in the listing, with personal addresses and telephone numbers redacted for privacy.

COLLECTION:
The vehicle is located in central Riga, Latvia. Viewing and inspection are welcome by prior appointment. The car can be driven away on its own registration plates, and transport or shipping arrangements can be discussed, though the buyer remains responsible for collection logistics unless otherwise agreed. Riga offers convenient access to Baltic Sea freight routes and is exceptionally well connected for European road transport.

OTHER INFORMATION:
This Phaeton represents one of the most compelling value propositions in the modern classic luxury segment. Supercar-level engineering went into developing this vehicle, yet it retains highly approachable ownership costs. The brakes are fresh, the tires have plenty of life left, the documents are complete and original, and the mechanicals are in excellent shape. Both Webasto remote controls are included, and the autonomous heater is fully operational, which is a particularly valuable feature for northern European winters. The cosmetic points noted on the seat bolster and the selector trim have been described honestly and in full, as this vehicle has been inspected and prepared personally. Any bidder is welcome to arrange an independent inspection prior to the close of auction, and all questions will be answered promptly.