Classfind Cut 52: 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Diesel Pickup – Sold?

December 14^th Update – We just confirmed the Craigslist ad for this ride expired and with no replacement listing found, we’re assuming this car sold.  This one may have got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330.

Half car, half pickup vehicles, known as “Utes” in the land Down Under, make sense for many people who have a need to haul stuff on occasion but don’t need a big truck to do it with.  Power it with an economical diesel engine and you have a very economical little truck with fuel mileage rivaling a Prius.  That’s exactly what you get with this 67K original mile, red over tan, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup currently first listed on Craigslist in November 2020 in Bangor Pennsylvania (Allentown) with an asking price of $9,500.

Volkswagen produced Rabbit pickups in its stillborn Westmoreland, Pennsylvania assembly plant from 1978 to 1984 with two engine choices:  a 1.7 Liter gas engine or the 1.6 Liter diesel power plant featured in this example.  Connected to a five-speed manual transmission, the fifth overdrive gear was uniquely labeled “E” rather than the traditional “5.”  Outside of the U.S. Volkswagen branded Rabbit pickups as the VW Caddy.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1981 VW Rabbit pickup
1.8 diesel
67k original miles
All stock
Rust free
tonneau cover
2nd owner
Truck horn
New injector pump and hoses
If it’s listed it’s still available
Runs and drives great.
9500$ Read Less

Do you have a VW Rabbit Caddy story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!