1983 VW GTI Race Car

IMSA GT3 / RS

This is the first car I have ever bought off craigslist. Usually, I wait for them to cross my path.

 

First photo is from Los Angeles Cars and Coffee on January 27, 2019.

 

Other photos are from the day of acquisition. Nothing is known about the car's history beyond what we can decipher from the various decals. If anybody knows about the car, Bill Behr, Sierra Autosports, Sterling Racing Engines or this IMSA GT3 number 97, please let me know at misterjalopy@gmail.com!

 

Engine in the car is believed to be stock, but the original race engine with forged crank was in the hatch. I believe that the car was left in weather and water came through the sidedraft Webers which seized the pistons.

 

Has some rare bits like the Hurst shifter and a Brabham MK I valve cover. Lots of period suspension development done like raising the shock towers.

 

I street drove the car to cars and coffee a few weeks ago. Then, last week, I drove the street GTI and towbar'd the race GTI to C&C for kicks.

 

Since the original pictures were taken, I have mounted used slicks and Ronals on the car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1983 VW GTI MK1

53k Original Miles - 1 Owner

The above picture was taken the day that I got the car with extremely crumbly tires. It is a one family, one owner car. I purchased it at a garage sale in Southern California. It has been repainted.

This photo was also taken the day I got the car. As you can see the driver's side bottom cushion is not stock and the side bolster fabric has been replaced with the incorrect color.

 

The heartbreak! The detail shop ripped the passenger seat. I am looking for replacement fabric.

With new 185 60 R14 Dunlop Direzza III tires. Since this photo was taken, I moved the GTI emblem from the race car to this car.

It is a rare car to find in this condition. It has a 6-speed conversion, a tow ball, cam and degreed wheel and some other period enhancements. It was maintained for 20 years by a Porsche race focused shop in the SFV. It is an AC car with the original, optional cassette deck with VW branding. Just passed California smog.

With Robin's early Rabbits at Silverlake Cars & Coffee.

Needs list:

Motor mounts

Original GTI Mk1 fabric

Complete or partial seats for bolsters, foam etc.

Rear hatch emblems

Driver's side bumper end cap

14" Snowflake wheel for spare