The 1980s marked the first time since its inception that Volkswagen was without its bread and butter vehicle in the lineup, the Beetle. This wasn’t as bad as it would seem, as sales of the Bug was waning as the 1970s kicked off, with consumers leaving the lovable compact for larger, more advanced vehicles, especially those from Japan. While models like the Jetta, Golf and Cabriolet proved popular in the states, one model languished in its class: the Quantum. This mid-sized sedan and estate offered German engineering at a lower entry point, and towards the end of the production run, gave buyers of the Variant (estate) the option of Syncro four-wheel drive.
Sharing the mechanics of the Audi 80 Quattro, this required the car’s floor to be reengineered to allow room for added mechanicals and a revised rear suspension. Equipped solely with the 5-cylinder engine in North America, the Quantum Syncro was an Audi Quattro on a budget. This Passat Variant GT Syncro for sale in Bavaria is the Quantum’s European cousin and rarely do these five-doors surface in such well-preserved condition.
Year: 1987
Model: Passat GT Variant Syncro
Engine: 2.1 liter inline-5
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 268,000 km (~ 166,500 mi)
Price: €4,999 (~ $6,662 USD)
CLICK FOR DETAILS:Â 1987 Volkswagen Passat Variant GT Syncro on Mobile.de
Absolute rarity! Passat Variant Syncro 5-cylinder. This car has had three owners and the last owner had the car for 19 years from 1994. This car has a service book that was regularly filled out, the last repairs/maintenance was: battery, chassis, belts and water pump, wishbones, undercoating, differential and transmission. A long trip with this car is not a problem, it is in full working order. For fans a genuine opportunity! ATTENTION: We have several Audi Quattros in different models such as sedans, wagons and coupes with different motors, V6, 5-cylinder, 20V, 200 20V, Typ 85, Audi 90 etc. on offer. If you are interested, contact me!
Given the price, this Passat would be a little steep for someone to import to the US, given the mileage that is a bit over 150,000. It’s asking price puts it close to the top of what these Quantum Syncros are fetching stateside, when you can find them in decent condition. The Passat badge and euro headlamps do make for a good conversation piece and in an era of look-alike crossovers, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what sets this estate apart.
-Paul
Great find! One of the nice benefits of the Passat/Quantum was running 4×100 wheels, unlike the 4×108 80/90/4000Q/GTs. Just gives you more options! Downside was that the wagon had a unique rear suspension and last I knew, there were no spring upgrades remaining for these rare cars, though you can custom make coil-overs.