1981 Volkswagen Rabbit

Convertible Convertible

1.6L 4 Cylinder Gasoline Fuel

Manual

WVWCA0154bk004869

Clear

Gasoline

0 0 1 643 3667 Home 30 8 4302 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE I am re-listing because my sale fell through. It was my own fault for not driving the car before the auction due to my busy schedule (a poor excuse, but true). The car has been sitting parked in my garage since March of this year. It starts and runs, but the idle is uneven. It stalled on me during driving and needs some attention. I believe the problem is fuel related, but I am not sure. I am not a mechanic, and life is too short to not to be honest with any potential buyer. It remains a wonderful specimen that would make anyone proud to own if you know how to fix the outstanding issues. The remainder of my posting is true to the car. It's a great time of year in the Southeast to enjoyable top down fun with great gas mileage! This car has led a very gentle life. Cars of this quality are usually sold quietly behind the scenes between fellow collectors, however, I would not consider myself to be a professional collector. I had the extreme good fortune to find this car, and purchased it to enjoy as a weekend hobby with my father who was a retired engineer. Sadly, his health declined soon after, and he passed away. I have lost interest in the hobby, and have become very busy with work. I simply have no desire or time to enjoy the car since I lost my father. I have put no more than 50 miles on the car in the last year. It remains nicely covered in my home garage. I have since sold my Dad's antique Ford. Before my ownership, I was told this VW spent many years in a climate controlled show room type settings, hence the very special condition. 1981 was only the second year of production for this model. I think the original German-made Rabbit convertibles have an appeal that is unmatched by the later models - I have always liked the profile and simplicity. The original paint is beautiful with a lovely patina that shows only a few minor, nicks and rubs. I have not had any paint work done, preferring to carefully preserve this lovely original patina (metallic Indiana Red). The factory chrome bumpers and wheel trim rings/hubcaps are original and beautiful. The lovely white seats, headliner and black carpet are beautiful. The dash has never been exposed to the sun and looks pristine. The factory "sand" colored convertible top looks superb. It has seldom been down, but functions perfectly. The factory convertible top boot (unique to 1980 and 1981) is in nice condition and stored in the trunk. All the rubber seals are near pristine. All the factory stickers are in place in the trunk, glove box, engine compartment, door jams, etc. The underside of the car is pristine, with cosmoline/waxoyl still intact. I have the factory warranty book for the waxoyl treatment that was placed on the car when new. The factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo is in place, but has stopped playing (fuse?), 5 speed, power brakes. I have the original owners manual, radio manual, plastic owners warranty card, original window sticker (faded), factory keys and sales brochure. This car does not have factory A/C. I recently had to place the original spare into use, because one of the tires developed a separation. The tools and jack appear to have never been used. All wheels are original to the car. The engine runs nice and cool and has never burned any oil. All the factory accessory gauges (oil pressure and temperature) work well. It has always been cold natured for me and takes time to warm up before it will idle smoothly - there may be a vacuum leak that I don't have the skill to diagnose. The only mechanical work I have personally performed is oil changes, new spark plugs, new plug wires, new distributor rotor, new ignition control module, new fuel filter and brake fluid flush. The parts I replaced were original to the car, and have been saved to support it's history. The odometer stopped working at approximately 13,192 miles, and as stated earlier, I estimate I have only put approximately 50 miles on the car during the last year ( I am told this was a common problem). The car was fun to drive, but it NEEDS to be driven! I have a clean car fax history which documents the mileage through August 2006 at 13,175 miles. I am estimating the current mileage to be approximately 13,300 miles. I have also have the original rear dealer tag frame from Scott Motors in Union Town, PA and the front tag bracket. The car has an attractive set of correct thin white wall Continental tires. I am not sure of their age (please note my comment about the spare). The body is pristine and has no rust or deterioration of any kind. Most all of the original clamps, hoses, belts, etc remain in place in the engine compartment - amazing! This is a beautiful original car that will be appreciated by any purist who wants something REALLY special. I believe you would be hard pressed to find another MK1convertible preserved in this condition. It looks like a car that has been driven gently for a year, then put away. I am happy to answer any questions. I work during the day (eastern time), so it may be evenings before I can respond to questions. The reserve will remain confidential to afford fairness in the auction. $500 deposit due with 24 hours of auction end, with remaining amount due within 5 days of auction end. Please see my excellent feedback rating. Transportation arrangements are the buyer’s responsibility, but I will make every effort to cooperate with a pickup schedule from my home. I am selling the car “as is” with no warranty expressed or implied. I have provided photos that I took in my garage fairly recently (please forgive the shadows). I also have photos of many other areas of the car if needed. On Dec-06-11 at 02:26:31 PST, seller added the following information: On Dec-06-11 at 02:33:01 PST, seller added the following information: On Dec-06-11 at 02:38:24 PST, seller added the following information: I had a little trouble attaching this video clip but finally got it!  This clip represents the current condition of the car, with the exception of the mechanical issues mentioned above (the car was running better when I made the clip, and before I parked it).  The clip talks about the mileage, but please note my comments about the odometer above.   Thank you