1984 Volkswagen Jetta Coupe

If there is one car that never really made sense to me in the Volkswagen lineup, it is the Jetta Coupe. There is a cult following for these two-door sedans and many times they command a premium over their 4-door counterparts. Why? That’s a fantastic question, though perhaps it is simply the rarity of the 2-door that elevates their status. The same phenomena can be seen in the Audi 80 (4000) 2-door, which was available in several different engine and drivetrain configurations early in the production run. However, in that case it’s specifically the 2-door 80 that was used as both a basis for the development of the Quattro and, perhaps more notably, the doors and windshield of the Sport Quattro. That link adds to the mystique of the 2-door 80. But the Jetta? I’m afraid I’ve just never understood why it’s more desirable. It’s a less convenient sedan without the styling of a real coupe or grand tourer and without the functionality of the 2-door hatchback Golf. Yet desirable they are, and when presented in low mileage condition with some nice dress up items on an already rare platform like the A1 chassis sedan, it’s quite desirable indeed:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1984 Volkswagen Jetta Coupe on eBay

Year: 1984
Model: Jetta Coupe
Engine: 1.7 liter inline-4
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Mileage: 33,000 mi
Price: $5,600 Buy It Now

“THE CAR IS IN GREAT SHAPE! IT HAS 33,000 MILES AND ALL NEW UPHOLSTERY PICK UP ONLY! SHIPPING IS ON BUYERS COST.”

The listing is lacking in many things; detailed description, good quality and up to date photographs being chief among the list of the missing items. What I can see is a Stratos Blue Metallic Jetta Coupe – a color often associated with the later A2 Jettas. That was a premium color, and let us not forget the Jetta was originally a premium product. While in recent generations Volkswagen has flip-flopped and made the Golf the big money grab, originally the Jetta was considered the upscale product. The automatic transmission would also have been extra, though not many would be all that excited about the addition today. The car has been upgraded with what appear to be later Recaro seats, recovered in a period-looking fabric and later spec GLi BBS RA 15×6.5″ wheels. The design suits the Jetta well. Under the hood lies the 1.7 liter inline-4, good for 99 m.p.h. top speed originally and a mid-9 second run to 60 – this one won’t shock you with performance. Condition overall appears to be quite good, and I believe that the car also has air conditioning. Overall, it’s a well equipped car in well above average shape with some tasteful modifications. Does that equate to $5,600 worth of good? In my mind, no. I’d personally prefer either an early Scirocco or a GTi at that price, and without better photos and description I think that the seller is going to have a hard go of it.

-Carter