The body is straight down the sides with consistent panel gaps all around. The doors close easily with a satisfying click, which is an excellent sign of condition on these convertible Rabbits. There are no signs of accident damage or panel replacement. The paint has a consistent and excellent shine, with some small imperfections. We had the front and rear bumpers painted, as well as the body-colored wheels. The car has obviously spent most of its life garaged and protected from the elements.

The glass appears to be all original with the proper stickers and insignias. The windshield does have a chip, though it is out of the driver’s sight line. There are no other noticeable scratches or imperfections. The trim is secure and straight. The trim’s black paint does have some slight fading and wear in places, but overall looks excellent. The headlights are clean and clear of imperfections, and the Hella inner lights have some slight fading. The front parking lights, side markers and rear lights look to be in excellent condition.

The convertible top is quiet and secure at speed. All the convertible gaskets and hardware are accounted for. There are a few imperfections, the most notable being two marks on the driver’s side, but overall, the condition is impressive for a white top. The inner liner is secure and clean, and the glass rear window is in excellent condition. The top goes up and down easily, and secures to the windshield header easily. The convertible top boot is original and does show some aging, it secures easily and looks to have been rarely used.

The factory color-matched wheels are straight and clean, and we had them repainted in their factory color.

The panel below the grill and above the bumper does have a few stone chips. The door jams still have the yellow remnants of the factory rust protection. The car’s paint looks to be mostly original other than the rear trunk lid. The factory stone guard decals were yellowed and peeling so we had them replaced with reproductions.

The front and rear seats are in impressive condition for 40-year-old white fabric. The driver’s seat side bolster has become a little worn, and the top of the rear seats have some very slight yellowing from the sun. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, though the sliding mechanism does not move smoothly. The dash is very clean and straight with no obvious cracks. The carpets are clean and secure, while the factory original VW logo mats are still in good condition.

All the systems seem to function properly. The lower gauges work properly though sometimes the voltmeter takes a few minutes to wake up. The AC compressor was just replaced, and the system functions properly. The digital clock in the instrument cluster is no longer legible. The factory Blaupunkt stereo functions, though we did not test the cassette deck.

The engine is clean and tidy. The car was fully serviced and while everything was being done, the engine and bay were cleaned. Most of the factory stickers are present and overall, the engine bay looks factory correct. The coolant reservoir still has the factory warning label on the fill neck.

The trunk area is clean, and the carpets and panels are all accounted for. The trunk struts are new. The spare tire looks to have never been used, and the jack and tools look untouched.

The underside of the car is very clean. There are some areas of surface rust, but nothing concerning. The car spent its life in the snow and salt free south, and it is obvious when one looks underneath.

The car’s underside could benefit from a detailing, and the cowl below the windshield has the yellow factory rust inhibitor that is a bit unsightly.

The engine fires to life immediately and sounds healthy. There is no smoke, and no odd noises. It revs freely and feels healthy on the road.

The transmission and clutch feel excellent, the newly installed bushings make for crisp shifts.

The brakes are strong and stop the car straight. The suspension feels good, and there are no odd noises or suspect motions.

The tires were recently installed and look to be new, though we did not receive the invoice for the tires.

The car was my daily ride for a few days, and it always started quickly and was a pleasure. Though it is not a high horsepower machine, it is nimble and quick. The steering is direct, and the ride is compliant and composed. The car was steady on the highway and fun in the twisties. Everything worked properly and the iconic look made pedestrians smile.