I love MK1 Volkswagens in general, and the Jetta exemplifies the simple rectilinear style of the early 80s. Though weak, the diesel engines are robust and efficient, making them a perfect little around-town or mellow commuting car. Today’s spent most of its life with a single owner, covering just 119k miles – roughly a third of what these cars often achieve. If it continues on this path, it could be a nonagenarian before it needs a rebuild! It’s not perfect, but it has a lot right. Overall, with a no-reserve auction and low bidding, this could be a great deal for a utilitarian sedan.
Tag: mk1
Even though I feel very fortunate to have two cars I love, every time a Rabbit Pickup drives by I follow it longingly. It was an amazing first car – different, a blast to drive, moderately useful, and completely hilarious. There are quite a few still out there that could be acquired for decent prices, but the diesels and the really clean examples have begun commanding some severe premiums. Today’s example isn’t quite the modded-out tuner machine like a few that I’ve written up here, but it’s not an all-original example either. It sits as a nice in-between, with an attractive, low stance and awesome, plus-sized Snowflake wheels. The only other modifications are a duckbill front spoiler and trimmed bumper mounts, creating a subtly unique look that is more of an exaggeration of the original car rather than a revamp. The real story here is that it’s covered less than 100k miles and shows it, with the white exterior clean and the VERY RED interior in great shape.
Click for details: 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup on eBay
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If the Mk.1 Scirocco is already a rare car to see, finding a period modified one is even more rare – especially when it comes to a well known example, such as the New Dimensions turbocharged example we see here. On top of being a fairly rare car already, this particular example is also one of the even more rare “Sidewinder II” editions that came out in 1978. What did the Sidewinder II get you? Well, according to this letter to dealers from Volkswagen, the Sidewinder got a special air dam, special seats, speedometer backing, decals, and black trim. I love, too, how Volkswagen likened the pose of the rattlesnake to the engine layout in the Scirocco; reaching, considering the 71 horsepower accelerated the “sports” coupe to 60 m.p.h. in a semi-leisurely 11.6 seconds. To fix that, this New Dimensions example has a 1.8 turbocharged motor fitted along with some fairly rare parts:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1978 Volkswagen Scirocco Sidewinder on eBay
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Volkswagen projects slowly left my mind as I got more into classic M-cars, but the concept of interchangeable parts and endless custom possibilities made VWs take the place of sheep each night through many of my early car-loving years. A 1984 GTI with a nice swap has always been high on the dream list, and the G60 provides a solid platform that’s a little more contemporaneous and fitting than the VR6 or 1.8T ideas. Despite unassuming aesthetics, this GTI G60 has had the full workover with revised running gear, a turbocharger instead of the normal super, and some desirable exterior items. The “needs” items are few but give the impression this is a project he needs to get rid of, and projects can be a hard thing to transfer.
Click for details: 1984 Volkswagen GTI on eBay
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My love for the Mk1 Volkswagen body styles is well-documented, and it extends even to the little-sister Cabrio. Today’s has covered a shockingly-low 28k miles, mostly as an RV attendant. Top to wheels, it’s a gorgeous example of 80s Volkswagens. We’ve all had the convertible argument, and while many still frown upon them, the extra fun can’t be denied. My hierarchy may start with the GTI closely followed by the Caddy, but if a Cabriolet were going to be in the collection, a low-mileage Wolfsburg is about as good as you can get.