Back in 1989, if you showed me a brand new diesel Jetta, there is zero probability I would have been excited about anything regarding it. Gas was relatively cheap, so having a diesel getting great mileage was really for fringe people. There were no spoilers, great alloy wheels, or even mud flaps to get excited about. The diesel Jetta was pretty basic transportation by even 1989 standards; plus, it was noisy, stinky and slow. Park it next to a GLi 16V, and it would be a no-brainer which one would be my choice to check out. But 25 years on, I was genuinely excited to find this listing pop up on eBay. Isn’t it crazy how time changes your perception? Finding a mostly or fully original 1989 Jetta that isn’t a rusted, beaten basket case with lower miles has become such a rarity that it makes me smile to see one, especially when it’s the same color combination as my 1986 Golf was:
Tag: Volkswagen
Here’s a Westy that needs no qualification: it’s just a badass, well-done camper van. The Chris Corkins engines are a great swap solution, giving more usability and power while staying true with a VW wasserboxer. Pretty much everything (save the tie-dyed tent) is on the short-list of great choices for Vanagons, including the South African grill and lights, lift kit, racks, functional interior and exterior options… make that a long list of great choices. If the seller knows enough to make these mods from these vendors, then he knows what the market is for vans like this, which means this auction could get crazy.
Click for details: 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia on eBay
Comments closedVolkswagen 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
Comments closedFor most enthusiasts, last week’s 1997 BMW 318ti M-Sport represented too little car for too much money; sure, the M-Sport looked great, but as pointed out by one of our readers the performance didn’t necessarily live up to the badges. The M-Sport was fast in appearance and carried a hefty price tag to go along with it. A fully optioned 318ti M-Sport in a special color would set you back around $25,000 – a steep asking price considering the M42 engine with only around 140 horsepower motivating it. So the 318ti M-Sport was a bit of a sheep in wolf’s clothes; a good car, but with the promise of more performance than it could deliver.
On the other end of the spectrum was the original giant-slayer hot hatch, the GTi. While not all versions enjoyed great performance, if you opted for the VR6 variant you got a handsome, well built and good handling package capable of out-drag racing, out-turning and out-carrying the 318ti. Best of all, it was about $5,000 cheaper than the BMW. Outwardly, aside from the wild-colored Jazz Blue or Ginster Yellow examples, to many the GTi VR6 was virtually indistinguishable from the standard Golf – for many, part of its huge appeal. It was, simply put, the wolf in sheep’s clothing:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1998 Volkswagen GTi VR6 on eBay
6 CommentsThe Westfalia rollercoaster continues with today’s 1987 model looking like an outstanding value. With many Westfalias reaching above $30k (way above, in some cases), this one comes in at about half that. It’s done its share of roadtripping, with 200k miles on the van, but the engine was rebuilt just 12k miles ago, indicating tons of fun yet to come. Despite some questionable wheel covers, it looks very clean inside and out. Bidding is hot, reflecting a market hungry for affordable Westfalias.