The Sportruck was a trim level for the US market and only around 500 of these were built in total at the assembly plant in Westmoreland, PA. Think of the Sportruck as a Rabbit S with a pickup bed. The peppy 1.7L engine combined with the lightweight Rabbit body gave buyers an economical, fun to drive, small front wheel drive pickup that was very unique in the marketplace at the time. Unique features to the Sportruck model over a standard pickup included the center console w/ volt meter, oil temp gauge and clock, a tachometer, reclining bucket seats with integrated headrests, special door panels with map pockets, 3 spoke sports steering wheel, reflective side graphics, front spoiler, and a 5-speed manual transmission.
This 1981 model year Sportruck was sold new in CA and remained in the sunny state until 1998 when it made its way to WA. The truck is currently on consignment as part of a NW Volkswagen collection. Neat modifications to this truck include; lowered suspension, Porsche phone-dial alloy wheels, euro front bumper, rear bumper delete, GTI front grill and air dam, Kenwood CD stereo, Rabbit branded floor mats, and a leather shift boot. At some point the truck was repainted but the graphics were masked around and left original. The paint is of average quality and there are some scratches, chips, and dings here and there as to be expected on a vehicle of this age. The headliner was recovered and a new OE carpet kit was installed. The seats, dash, and door cards are in excellent condition. The Sportruck is a joy to drive, it is quite zippy and handles like a go kart all while getting great fuel economy. The truck can be daily driven or is just a fun errand or grocery getter and is fun enough to take to car shows as it will most surly get you noticed!