1980 Volkswagen Dasher Diesel, rare original survivor!

Description for Volkswagen Other 1980

This is a March of 1980 production Dasher Diesel Sunroof Sedan, Type 32A. This is the rarest version of the already uncommon Dasher. This is a rare all original survivor and is in remarkable preserved condition, having been garaged its entire life, serviced regularly, and having only 108,000 miles. I am the second owner and have owned it since it had 93,000 miles.
It was originally purchased through VW's Tourist Delivery Program and delivered to the original owner in Emden, Germany. He traveled through Europe with his wife, visiting several points of interest along the way, including the then-newly opened Arlberg Strassentunnel, which is Austria's longest tunnel, and the souvenir decal still remains on the drivers rear window. Upon arriving in California in April of 1980, the Dasher received one of the first pairs of new 7-character blue license plates, which are still on the car and are very clean.
The car was ordered with several special options including a cranking Golde sunroof, AM/FM radio, Air Conditioning, and mud flaps.

EXTERIOR:The exterior is all original paint Indiana Red Metallic except for the engine hood, which was a near flawless respray that is hard to notice. There are no signs of any accident or body damage. The car is extremely straight and solid, no rust anywhere to be found. There are a couple of extremely minor dings, battle scars if you will, which is to be expected on any original survivor vehicle. But let me restate that the car is extremely straight, and solid. The entire car was buffed and detailed, and is extremely nice.
Other notes to mention on the exterior are the original bumpers are still intact and in very nice shape, with the front bumper having only a few minor paint scuffs on the outer edge, perhaps from brushing against something in the garage. The car's original rims are also still on the vehicle but needed freshening up, so they have been powdercoated in the correct color. The original hubcaps were polished and the aging cracking retaining clips were replaced with NOS hard to source units, for added piece of mind that you won't lose your rare hubcaps.
The pan is super clean and dry. This was a dealership-undercoated vehicle which helped keep it clean underneath. The accessory mud flaps are still intact and helped preserve the lower edges of the body. The rockers are all solid also.
INTERIOR:The interior is all original and has been well preserved from indoor parking. The seats are all original upholstery Gazelle Leatherette, and are in remarkable condition. The drivers seat pad needed replacing, so the original seat cover was carefully removed and the pad professionally replaced and some of the piping repaired. Very comfortable and clean seats. All door and quarter panels are the originals and also in extremely nice condition.
The carpeting is the original Gazelle Tan throughout the car and is in very nice persevered shape, with virtually no wear, and the rear package tray showing just minimal sunlight fade. The UV rays must have been tough on that shelf whenever out and driving, as the car was always parked indoors, but is hardly a detraction from this unique gem.
The Dash is extremely clean with no cracks on top or broken speaker grill as typically seen. It is all very clean and shiny, and the gauges are so clean and all work as they should. The clock even keeps perfect time!
The original headliner is very clean with no rips or damage. The accessory Golde sunroof also has nice headliner material, and the sunroof operates perfect in all positions (fully open, vertically tilted open, and closed). Golde manufactured VW's early ragtops and sunroofs and is a very desirable accessory for this rare Dasher.

MECHANICAL:After a three year storage, all vehicle systems were inspected to ensure safe operation.
Brake system was inspected and adjusted in April 2016. Everything was within spec and looked fine. Wheel bearings were inspected and repacked. Brakes operate perfectly with zero issues.
Steering and suspension were inspected at the same time, and was nice and tight with no play. Car drives straight with no pulling or issues. The tires are new custom Redlines that compliment the car's color real nice. They have about 5,000 miles on them with excellent tread.
The transmission is the original 4 speed manual, and has been flushed and filled with fresh gear oil. The transmission shifts perfect and smooth with no grinding or popping out of gear. A new clutch and throwout bearing was installed in October 2016.
The engine is the original 1.5L Non-Turbo Diesel that has never been rebuilt or replaced. It has 108,000 original miles and has been on a regular maintenance schedule ever since new, and has been recently serviced for the new owner, including fresh heavy duty diesel oil with long life filter change, and new air filter. It produces 47HP, averages 45-50MPG, and runs excellent! Engine compartment is very clean and original.
Heater core had new protective heat shield applied so it has a nice fresh clean appearance that compliments the clean compartment as well as protect the unit. The heater works very well and blows hot. The A/C system is intact but disconnected so the coolest that it will blow is outside temp. Not sure why it was disconnected, but these A/C systems definitely rob a lot of power so it's no major loss, but could be restored to function if desired.
For the electrical aspect, the car is obviously 12 volt and all components work perfectly (except for the special option radio which is staticky and the dial slips when turning knob). All lights, turn signals, wipers, horn all work. All the wiring is nice and unmolested. Battery was new in 2015 and has been maintained with zero issues.

THE SALE:I should mention as a side note, that all work was done by myself. I am a restoration technician at a reputable VW Restoration shop in Northern California, and am a long time VW enthusiast. I hold all cars in my possession to a high standard, and I can easily say this is one of the nicest uncommon survivor vehicles that I have had the privilege to own.
I drove this car to EVERY VW show in NorCal last show season. It was quite the crowd pleaser, consistently winning multiple First Place awards as well as several specialty awards including a People's Choice award. This vehicle will no doubt remain a strong competitor in show.
The title is clean in my name, car is currently registered, and it is insured. It is also Smog Exempt! I have tried to as accurately describe the car as possible, and comes as-is, with the original owner's manual and the original blue license plates. The awards are not included.
This is a very unique collector vehicle that will be appreciated by the right enthusiast. If you would like to schedule a viewing, or have any questions, please contact me. I can provide additional pictures upon request.
International bidders are welcome, and I can help arrange shipping and deliver car to the shipper. Car is located in Berkeley, California.
Thanks for your interest!