[{"id": 15504200, "authorName": "Ubrgti", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ubrgti/", "bidAmount": 1984, "content": "$1,984 bid placed by Ubrgti", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1725742176, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15504197, "authorName": "AlohaZ3", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/alohaz3/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Love these Callaway Rabbits. Hard to improve on the masterpiece of an \u201884 GTI, but Callaway did. Would be exciting to see this adjacent to Callaway Alfa GTV and Corvette, of course. One bad Bunny indeed\u2026\nhttps://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/their-work-corvettes-callaway-was-turbocharging-ra/", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1725742299, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15504269, "authorName": "jpr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jpr/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sweet! Had the same Zender hatch spoiler on my 1981 Rabbit.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1725742429, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15504474, "authorName": "genshammer (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/genshammer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Howdy all you GTi fans, the seller here. I've been a looong-time lurker on BaT but this is my first auction, so I'll do my best to answer whatever questions folks have about this rad old Rabbit. \r\n\r\nSome brief background on this car - it's a survivor that I rescued from neglect in 2016. Had been sitting out in the sun of central California for many years. The owner died and I bought the car from the owner's estate. Although it was complete and original with documented service records, almost all parts had to be replaced due to years of sitting. I have gone through almost every square inch of this car and either replaced or repaired every issue. As you will see in the pics, it's got its cosmetic flaws, but the car runs incredibly well with all its new parts and is only some upholstery work (2 yards of NOS OEM fabric comes with the car), a couple dent repairs and a paint job away from being show-winning (although I personally like the original patina of the paint). \r\n\r\nI installed the Callaway Turbo kit in 2018, and have done all the work on the turbo system and engine. The turbo was just rebuilt earlier this year, and has less than 200 miles on it. It took a little while to get everything dialed in, but now the car is running a very conservative 7 psi boost with all mechanical CIS injection, using a fuel distributor off a Volvo 242 turbo. I've had the boost as high as 12 psi, and the fueling system handled it no problem, but at that pressure I would advise a blow-off valve and octane booster to be safe. The car has excellent and even compression and very good leak down test numbers. There's zero smoke out the tailpipe after recently replacing the valve stem seals. There is a small oil leak under the engine, but minimal.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, when the turbo finally comes on (classic old school turbo lag), it comes on hard and this little GTI scoots! I used to race MK1 GTIs in the 24 Hours of Lemons series back in the day and only wished we had a turbo on our GTI. Callaway did an amazing job with this kit, almost as if the car should have come with it from the factory.\r\n\r\nAside from the upholstery and paint/body needs, some of the weatherstripping around the driver and passenger windows is getting old and cracking, and there's some squeaks and rattles on super rough roads (heard in the YouTube video links). Not sure what the rattles are, feels like it's coming from the steering column, but I replaced the steering column needle bearings and bushings, so maybe it's something else? I haven't had time to investigate, but the car handles tight and drives straight as an arrow. \r\n\r\nI am selling because I have too many vehicles in my fleet and need to focus my energy. Plus I am a Toyota guy, not really a VW guy. I just had the opportunity to save this car from an untimely death, so I jumped at it and am so glad I did. It's been a fun project that turns heads everywhere it goes, but it's time to pass it along to someone who can drive it, care for it and enjoy it more than me. Like all classics, we are only caretakers of them for a finite amount of time. It's time for the next caretaker of this iconic machine!\r\n\r\nKurt", "likes": 25, "timestamp": 1725744023, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15504498, "authorName": "Unobtanium_Inc", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/unobtanium_inc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I had the pleasure of driving a Callaway tuned Rabbit years ago and I can tell you that it is a LOT of fun. You don\u2019t even need much boost to really feel things kicking. \u2014 Matt", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1725744224, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15504515, "authorName": "genshammer (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/genshammer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I should also add that the reason why it's not available to California buyers is because I took the underhood California emissions stuff off when I did the turbo swap. The car still has its original catalytic converter on the exhaust, and the car *might* pass CA emissions if all the original smog equipment and hose plumbing was put back on (all parts come with the car), but because I live in Nevada and register it as a classic (smog exempt), I didn't bother keeping the emissions stuff on it. As you can see in the photos, there's a catch can from the valve cover to the air intake box, preventing blowby oil from getting back into the intake, helping preserve the life of the engine.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1725744346, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15504578, "authorName": "fabzfabz", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fabzfabz/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My God, this is good!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1725744956, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15504612, "authorName": "Jake28", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jake28/", "bidAmount": 2500, "content": "$2,500 bid placed by Jake28", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1725745260, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15504616, "authorName": "Jake28", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jake28/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Seen this car in person, it\u2019s lovely. And a stand up seller.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1725745295, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15504713, "authorName": "StemToStern", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/stemtostern/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I had an 83 almost identical back in the 90's. What a fun car to drive.. really miss it. I had exhaust manifold cracks which I heard can be an issue with the Callaway kits. I had it welded/brazed a couple of times which didn't hold long and sold it with a loud leak 25yrs ago. Does this one have the stock cast manifold? Any repairs? I got overzealous with the boost which surely didn't help.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1725746310, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15504899, "authorName": "maxreh", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/maxreh/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Kurt is a skilled mechanic and maintains some of our town\u2019s best 4x4s and camping rigs. Bid with confidence!", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1725748271, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15504939, "authorName": "carelallen", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/carelallen/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sweet GTI with extra scoot! \ud83d\ude0d", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1725748743, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15505074, "authorName": "Hank16V", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/hank16v/", "bidAmount": 5000, "content": "$5,000 bid placed by Hank16V", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1725750575, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15505443, "authorName": "genshammer (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/genshammer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@StemtoStern - it has the Callaway manifold. I've never noticed any issues with it. Was very clean and in good shape when I purchased it. I had it at 12 psi initially, and it was super fun, but my buddy who knows turbos said not having a BOV at that pressure is a time bomb. I just turned it down to 7 and it's plenty of fun with a lot less risk. Someone who really knows these old engines could dial it in to handle 12 psi all day.\r\n\r\n@maxreh @Jake28 - Tahoe Veedub Core Lords! Thanks for the kind words.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1725754627, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15508057, "authorName": "rht69911s", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rht69911s/", "bidAmount": 5100, "content": "$5,100 bid placed by rht69911s", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1725813131, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15511833, "authorName": "VCRD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vcrd/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Does this have the Callaway Microfueler installed, with the electric extra injector in the elbow before the throttlebody for fuel enrichment under boost? Hard to tell from the pics.\n\nThese engines can handle a lot of punishment (I had several Callaway VWs back in the 80's) but the extra boost (above about 7PSI) really needed extra fuel to prevent pinging and make power properly. The engine could easily handled 10-12 psi with the extra fuel.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1725831539, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15512989, "authorName": "genshammer (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/genshammer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@VCRD - No, this car is full mechanical CIS injection. Added fueling is handled by a CIS fuel distributor off a Volvo 242 turbo of the same era, which had a bigger displacement engine with more horsepower. The Volvo FD provides all the added fuel needed for the GTI turbo application.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1725853538, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15521534, "authorName": "bmsypher", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bmsypher/", "bidAmount": 5300, "content": "$5,300 bid placed by bmsypher", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1725969446, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15521789, "authorName": "bmsypher", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bmsypher/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Small item, but out of curiosity, does it have a functioning sunroof?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1725973222, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15522316, "authorName": "genshammer (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/genshammer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@bmsypher - yes, the sunroof is fully functional.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1725977919, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15553500, "authorName": "vw4life", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vw4life/", "bidAmount": 8383, "content": "$8,383 bid placed by vw4life", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1726187449, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15553507, "authorName": "vw4life", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vw4life/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Don\u2019t need another Mk1 in royal red, but rising tide lifts all ships! To the moon baby!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1726187565, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15553761, "authorName": "Andretti", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/andretti/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This thing is sweet!!! GLWS", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1726190032, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15556124, "authorName": "MCLeather", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mcleather/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Makes me wish my royal red Callaway GTI hadn't been painted black. Good looking car.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1726240616, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15566249, "authorName": "funhogs", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/funhogs/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Nice MK1, just curious why the turbo was rebuilt? My assumption is that the kit was used previously on a different GTI.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1726330794, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15566279, "authorName": "Fritz1602", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fritz1602/", "bidAmount": 9000, "content": "$9,000 bid placed by Fritz1602", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1726331029, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15566339, "authorName": "genshammer (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/genshammer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The final couple of hours is here! I'll be monitoring comments if anyone has any last minute questions about the car. Who's going to be the new owner of this rippin' little Rabbit? Here are some pics from over the years. First pic is the day I acquired it in 2016. I still have the Yakima roof rack, if the new owner wants it, I'll include it. Gives it an extra rad 80s look. Comes with bike trays. I don't have the ski racks anymore. Good luck to all bidders!", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1726331585, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15566368, "authorName": "genshammer (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/genshammer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@funhogs - yes, pretty sure this kit was previously installed on a different car. I bought the kit in 2017 off someone on VW Vortex. It was pretty complete, including the original installation manual, which comes with the car. I should have just had the turbo rebuilt before installing, but ran it for a few years before realizing it was blowing too much oil. Since reinstalling earlier this year the car runs so much better, no more burning/blowing oil. Lesson: Do the work once and do it right the first time.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1726331804, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15568639, "authorName": "funhogs", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/funhogs/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "On a recent Overcrest podcast, they discussed how cars can have \u201cstories\u201d. Specifically mention of patina and how it can be an important part of the story of the car. The sellers dialog here and now these photos of how he found the car and brought it back to driver status are excellent. I\u2019m in the middle of no coast so it\u2019s probably too far away for me to snag, but if I were the keeper of this GTI, I\u2019d keep it just like it is. GLWTA.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1726340432, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15568934, "authorName": "genshammer (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/genshammer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@funhogs - this car definitely has a story. Was well loved and cared for in its early life, then neglected for a while, now it's back! And the story of me getting the title in my name was a mission. I bought the car from a guy's estate, but he had passed a year prior. His family member was the executor, and her signature was on the title, but because it wasn't the signature of the owner, I had to get a death certificate from the family if I wanted the title in my name and save this car from the crusher!! Talk about an uncomfortable ask. I sent pictures of the car after I fixed it up to the deceased's son and said I was resurrecting it and was really hoping to acquire his dad's death certificate. Mind you I don't even know these people. He was super nice and was stoked to see the Rabbit back on the road, and he sent me a copy of his dad's death certificate. It took me six months to get this thing registered legit, and it also had $650 in back registration fees that I paid off. But I was determined to save this thing from an untimely death. Every car has a story indeed!", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1726342415, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15568950, "authorName": "JSF22", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jsf22/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I never had a car more fun than my Mk I GTI. GLWA.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1726342472, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15569175, "authorName": "bmsypher", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bmsypher/", "bidAmount": 9500, "content": "$9,500 bid placed by bmsypher", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1726343282, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15569205, "authorName": "Deandal1ep", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/deandal1ep/", "bidAmount": 9900, "content": "$9,900 bid placed by Deandal1ep", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1726343384, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15569244, "authorName": "bmsypher", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bmsypher/", "bidAmount": 10500, "content": "$10,500 bid placed by bmsypher", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1726343492, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15569303, "authorName": "BrentO", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brento/", "bidAmount": 10750, "content": "$10,750 bid placed by BrentO", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1726343657, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15569320, "authorName": "bmsypher", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bmsypher/", "bidAmount": 11000, "content": "$11,000 bid placed by bmsypher", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1726343696, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15569410, "authorName": "WSWCo", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wswco/", "bidAmount": 11250, "content": "$11,250 bid placed by WSWCo", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1726343968, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15569420, "authorName": "bmsypher", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bmsypher/", "bidAmount": 11500, "content": "$11,500 bid placed by bmsypher", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1726344008, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15569484, "authorName": "bmsypher", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bmsypher/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sold on 9/14/24 for $11,500 to bmsypher", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1726344241, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}, {"id": 15569489, "authorName": "md557359", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/md557359/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "great deal for what it needs", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1726344261, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15569524, "authorName": "totalrecall98", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/totalrecall98/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Good to see a new steward will carry on the Mk1 legacy.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1726344381, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15569946, "authorName": "LandBruizer200", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/landbruizer200/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "That was a steal!!! Best wishes to the new owner. I missed the end of the auction!!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1726345861, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15570113, "authorName": "genshammer (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/genshammer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "That was fun to watch. Congrats @bmsypher! Happy to find a new home for this boosted GTI. Definitely a screaming deal for a fast classic.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1726346505, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15571102, "authorName": "bmsypher", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bmsypher/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I\u2019m totally excited! Can\u2019t wait to get behind the wheel! \ud83d\udc4d\ud83c\udffb", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1726350517, "type": "comment"}]