This 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup has an interesting history, having spent time in California and Arizona before being acquired by the current seller in 2017. Finished in Diamond Silver Metallic over Camel leatherette, this truck offers a blend of classic style and tasteful modern upgrades.
Under the hood, the Rabbit Pickup is powered by a 1.7-liter inline-four engine paired with a five-speed manual transaxle. The engine features Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, delivering the original factory-rated 74 horsepower and 89 lb-ft of torque. The power is sent to the front wheels, maintaining the vehicle’s authentic driving experience.
The exterior is finished in Diamond Silver Metallic (LE7Y) and includes several distinctive touches such as a body-color front bumper cover, LED front turn signals, projector-style headlights, and Kamei-style hood vents. Additional features include dual side mirrors, factory integrated bed tie-downs, aftermarket taillights, a rear bumper delete, and an LED underglow kit for a modern flair. The truck rides on aftermarket 16″ web-spoke alloy wheels with gunmetal centers and polished lips, wrapped in Haida Racing HD921 tires. The lowered suspension setup includes adjustable front coilovers and rear drop plates with air shocks, enhancing both stance and handling.
Braking duties are handled by power-assisted front disc brakes paired with rear drums. Close-up photos reveal some minor imperfections, including a warped grille and blemishes in the paint, which are detailed in the accompanying gallery.
Inside, the cabin features bucket seats trimmed in Camel leatherette, complete with MK1 embroidery on the headrests. Unique appointments include a galaxy-style starlight headliner with integrated LED lighting, adding a touch of ambiance. The interior is also equipped with crank windows, a Bluetooth-capable Kenwood stereo connected to Rockford Fosgate speakers mounted behind the seats, and a two-spoke steering wheel framing an 85-mph speedometer alongside a fuel-level gauge.
Additional gauges for voltage, oil temperature, and oil pressure are mounted in a pod ahead of the shifter. Note that the six-digit odometer stopped working at approximately 41,000 miles, so the total mileage is unknown. The clock is non-functional, and the coolant temperature gauge occasionally sticks. The heating system’s blower motor is also inoperative.
Documentation includes a clean Carfax report showing the truck to be accident-free since its initial record in July 1992. However, the report does note a mileage inconsistency from August 2010 and “Exceeds Mechanical Limits” titles issued in August 2015 and June 2016.
Additional maintenance highlights include a battery replacement completed in April 2025. The truck is offered at no reserve and comes with removed parts, a Michigan title in the seller’s name, and detailed vehicle history.
This Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts seeking a classic compact truck with a tasteful mix of factory originality and modern upgrades.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1983-volkswagen-rabbit-pickup/
Be First to Comment