My one main complaint with my 1981 Rabbit Pickup was that the passenger compartment was a pretty tight squeeze between the low roof and too-close rear wall – beyond that, it was a hilarious, competent, unique, and fun-to-drive car. Today’s oddball Frankenstein monster fixes my one gripe by melding a Rabbit Hatchback with a Pickup, creating a Crew Cab Caddy reminiscent of Rutledge Wood’s limo on Top Gear America (I don’t blame you if you haven’t seen it). While the extra legroom and seating for four are nice additions and it allegedly runs and drives, this is clearly a half-baked project with many, many needs. The seller thinks its rarity makes it as valuable as a top-notch Caddy, but it would take a lot of time and money to make it even presentable.
Click for details: 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup on eBay
Year: 1983
Model: Rabbit Hatchback/Pickup Combo
Engine: 1.7 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 85,000 mi
Price: $7,500 Buy It Now
This was a fun project Started with a hatch back and put the back of a Volkswagen truck, split straight down the center with extra metal on the top and bottom for extra strength and stability. Street legal and clean title. Partially upholstered, new tires, 2 years ago when I built it, I replaced the struts, rear shocks, has new tires, extended brake cables,was having a guy finish the paint job however never did so there are a few dents and dings and extra panel for the driver rear door. 17 feet and 3 inches long No issues just turn the key and go.
I’m 6’4″, so legroom is certainly a coveted luxury, but even with my appreciation of one-offs and weird projects there’s no way I’d cover even the $4,500 starting bid here, let alone the reserve or $7,500 Buy-It-Now. With zero bids, looks like I’m not alone. For that much money, you could have a great Mk1 GTI or truly exceptional Rabbit Pickup, not to mention the myriad other pieces of 80s German metal available. The seller gets major points for ingenuity, but he should cut his losses as he focuses on his Bonneville projects and take whatever he can get for this longtail Rabbit.
-NR
