Outstanding custom VW Rabbit Cabriolet with performance GTI engine, close-ratio 5-speed, upgraded 4-wheel disc brakes, custom 1300-watt audio system, 16” Borbet wheels, Bilstein & Neuspeed performance components! Same owner for the past 27 years!

Following the successful run of the Volkswagen Beetle which came fitted with the air-cooled, rear-mounted 4 cylinder engine, a totally new platform consisting of a front, transverse-mounted, water cooled 4 cylinders would take over. It would be known as the Golf MkI and debuted in 1974. Its success was very well received and has led to a cult following today. The convertible, or Rabbit Cabriolet in the United States, was introduced in 1980 and remained available through 1985 before simply becoming the Cabriolet through 1993. All convertibles were built by the Karmann factory, vehicle producers of marques such as the Porsche, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Land Rover, which makes them rather unique today.

We are excited to offer this first year offered 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit Cabriolet finished in Tornado Red over Black cloth/vinyl interior. It has been fully customized by the current owner of 27 years, and shown exclusively since completion in 1993! Starting with a worthy Cabriolet, it was completely stripped to its foundation to take care of any rust prior to receiving virtually all new components throughout! The base coat/clear coat finish remains very presentable, as does the exceptionally well-executed interior!

Features under the hood include an upgraded 1983 GTI 1.8L SOHC engine professionally overhauled with Neuspeed camshaft, ported & polished head, new valves, forged pistons, Audi fuel injectors, Neuspeed throttle body, auxiliary Neuspeed oil cooler, larger 5-quart finned aluminum oil pan with windage tray, stainless steel braided fuel lines, chromed alternator, exhaust header with Ansa exhaust, and a NOS 50 horsepower shot injection system (currently inactive). This all mates to a GTI close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission with Neuspeed short-throw shift kit for a dynamic driving experience once out on the road! Underneath, the suspension has been enhanced using a Neuspeed strut bar brace, Neuspeed front & rear anti-sway bars, Bilstein shocks, Neuspeed adjustable control arm stabilizer, and four-wheel disc brakes using Brembo calibers and cross-drilled rotors up front! It literally handles like it's on rails and can stop on a dime!

Show enhancements are found everywhere! From the 1300-watt custom audio system featuring Pioneer head unit & 12-disc changer, Kenwood amplifiers, JBL speakers, and twin 12” JL Audio subwoofer enclosure hidden in the rear, to the more subtle touches like chromed brake calipers, Hella third brake light, 16” Borbet alloy wheels, Hella headlamps, Zender ground effects body kit, carpeted floor mats, Golf shift knob, and so much more! The entire package has been rewarded many times at both Volkswagen shows and custom car shows for many years! Even today, it continues to draw the attention of onlookers because of the tasteful modifications still fitting even after 25 years! It has been driven approximately 9-10k miles since completion. This vehicle will come with its original rear seat in unused condition already reupholstered and ready for installation. We welcome questions or inspections! It is an incredible value for the money!

Please feel free to call (314)993-1330 with additional questions or to schedule a chance to see this classic car for sale in person. St. Louis Car Museum & Sales can assist in providing information about trades, finance options or arrangements for transporting your next classic car investment!