Original mechanically-sound 1-family Mk1 with some cosmetic challenges

Make: Volkswagen
Model: Rabbit
SubModel: LS
Type: Hatchback
Trim: Wolfsburg Edition
Year: 1983
Mileage: 105,000
VIN: 1VWFB0178DV067032
Color: Red
Engine: 1.7
Cylinders: 4
Fuel: Gasoline
Transmission: Manual
Drive type: FWD
Interior color: Red
Drive side: Left-hand drive
Vehicle Title: Clear
Item location: Manchester, Massachusetts, United States
Extras
Wolfsburg Edition, CD Player

Listed by
Private seller
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Description of 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit Wolfsburg Edition

My wife's parents bought this new in 1983 when they traded in traded in their old Fastback for this Rabbit. It’s a 1983 Wolfsburg Edition … gas, not diesel. It has been in the same family ever since then. It lived in CA most of its life, was driven back and forth across the country twice, and otherwise lived in their garage in Cambridge where I picked it up. They are not car people, so this was never messed with (unlike every other VW Rabbit out there) and it was brought to the dealer for all of its service. So, it is essentially the same car as it rolled off the lot in ’83. I brought it back to life by essentially replacing most everything important. I only had my motorcycle for commuting, so this was a welcome option. The things I can remember doing are: (I am sure there are more things)
  • New fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, and filler hoses.
  • New tires about 10k ago.
  • All new Bilstein suspension, poly bushings, new control arms, tie rod ends, etc.
  • All new engine electrics and sensors.
  • Basically, it is so cheap to work on, that I just replaced anything and everything to make it reliable.
I used this car to drive from MA to NJ about 2 times a month. I needed it to be reliable, and it really is. The thing starts and drives like a champ (especially for a 1983 car)… I am just not into VWs.
I have 3 boxes of good parts for it. I have a set of Snowflake rims from a GTI and brand new high-performance tires for those. Tons of service manuals, every extra bit I ever removed. And even the original stereo.
The bad:
This thing was pristine, until our neighbors in Boston scraped the side with their 28’ moving van. So, the right side has a big gash along it. I managed to get two red doors from an ’84 Rabbit, but have only had time to put on one. The interior panels need to be transferred from the original car (they are in great shape) to the new doors. And there is something called the “cold start injector” that needs to be replaced (I think). It makes cold starts take a little extra gas. That’s a nit-picky detail. The headliner is sagging, and instead of hacking it, I would have a pro do that. The doors are the worst part. Otherwise, it’s a reliable single-family car with 105k on it in original condition with the major bits replaced looking for a new home (preferably with an enthusiast)… this is a good find for someone into these cars. It’s not my cup of tea.
Plus, it’s red.
Hope this helps! Happy to answer any questions. I have been under and around every piece of this car.
The car is being sold with no warranty of any sort. It is from 1983. It's old and should go to someone who loves and respects these cars.