Yahoo Autos A GTI-Powered VW Pickup Takes the Hot Hatch Idea to its Logical Extreme
Everyone loves a practical performance car: The mix of driving fun plus everyday usability has an undeniable appeal. This 1981 Volkswagen pickup converted to Rabbit GTI spec is an oddball, but it follows the same template. It's currently listed for sale on Craigslist, with an asking price of $6550.
The listing says the conversion was completed 22 years ago, and that a 1983 Rabbit GTI was used as a donor car. That means this truck has a 1.8-liter inline-four that sends 90 horsepower to the front wheels via a five-speed manual. The interior has the same dash as a GTI as well as the seats. A sport suspension with Bilstein dampers and GTI sway bars should help this truck out a lot in the bends.
The exterior is mostly stock, but the car includes a set of 14" GTI wheels as well as the classic red grille surround. Paint is said to be mostly original and the body is straight and rust free.
This may be a homebrew conversion, but judging by the photos it's a quality build. Plus, this VW is incredibly unique and probably a blast to drive-just like the GTI hatchback it shares its mechanics with.
