1979 Volkswagen Dasher Hatchback

Like the Scirocco duo from earlier this week, Volkswagen’s “large” chassis has become an obscure name long gone from these shores. The Dasher premiered VW’s use of the shared B1 platform. Marketed in the rest of the world as the Passat (a name, like the Scirocco, for a type of wind), Volkswagen opted to use a name closer to its stablemate Rabbit and came up with “Dasher”. From 1974 through 1981, the B1 laid the foundation for larger watercooled Volkswagens in three configurations; two-door hatchback, four-door hatchback and wagon. Also like the Scirocco, the design came from Giogetto Giugiaro and was forward-thinking. Power came from the EA827 derivatives, with a relative modest 1.6 inline-4 gas motor and later diesel options available. In 1978, the B1 was refreshed and gained quad-round headlights and other light revisions, visually matching the Scirocco lineup a bit more. They’re obscure and relatively rare to see at all these days, but this survivor has popped up on eBay in a no reserve auction:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1979 Volkswagen Dasher Hatchback on eBay

Year: 1979
Model: Dasher Hatchback
Engine: 1.6 liter inline-4
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Mileage: 51,000 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction

Up for sale is a great example of an all original 1979 Volkswagen Dasher 4 door sedan hatchback.

** NO RESERVE AUCTION!!! **

This vehicle is all original – With Clean and Clear California title in hand.

51,000 Original Miles

1.6 4 Cyl with Automatic Transmission – Ran before parked

Currently this vehicle is not running, but with a new battery it cranks and would run great with a tune up for many miles of enjoyable driving.

Gas Tank should be cleaned out

The Dasher is currently on CA NON-OPP Status, so there is NO BACK FEE’s with the DMV.

Original Green Paint in good condition

Original Green / Grey Interior – Very Clean

Original Blue and Yellow Plates

Original Air Conditioning Vehicle

Please feel free to message me with any questions regarding this Dasher, it would make a great addition to any vintage Volkswagen collector, as it is one of the earlier water cooled vehicles Volkswagen produced.

I’m fairly certain the color is the lovely Inari Silver Metallic with period but dated Ivy Green interior. While it’s described as two-tone, it’s my thought that the seat fabric has just faded to a lighter green and is being mistaken for gray; there was no gray interior option on the Dasher in 1979. Saddled to the automatic, the 78 horsepower 1.6 will struggle to generate much motivation but if you’re looking for a very out-of-the-ordinary VW show car, this one appear to be a solid platform for a build or light restoration. I’d assume that effectively nothing works and go from there, but bills should be about as small as the current bidding. Right now, with about a day left at time of writing, this clean example is only a little over $1,000. You’d be very hard-pressed to find anything nicer in the 1970s VW range for less money.

-Carter