1984 Volkswagen Caribe GT

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

In most of the world it was called the Volkswagen Golf — in America, the Rabbit — but in Mexico, the popular first-generation VW model was called the Caribe. The Caribe GT was essentially the Mexican version of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, one of the first “hot hatch” cars in the USA. 

The Caribe GT was equipped with a 1.8-liter engine that produced 85 horsepower. Unlike the Golf GTI, which used electronic fuel injection, the Caribe GT featured a dual-carburetor fuel system. The exterior of the Caribe GT was designed to reflect its sporty nature featuring distinctive styling elements such as a front spoiler, side skirts, and unique alloy wheels. The interior was also upgraded with sportier seats and a more driver-focused cockpit.

The Caribe GT was noted for its agility and handling with the responsive engine and well-tuned suspension providing an engaging driving experience. This made the Caribe GT a popular choice among young drivers and car enthusiasts in Mexico, as the GTI was to the rest of the world.

The introduction of the Caribe GT in 1984 marked Volkswagen’s commitment to offering performance-oriented vehicles to meet the specific needs and preferences of different regions, including the Mexican market.

Highlights

• Rare Mexico-built version of the Rabbit GTI with metric gauges

• Original factory certificate from Mexico

• 1.8-liter inline four cylinder with dual carburetors

• Four-speed manual transmission

• Recaro front seats

• Factory pop out rear side windows

Features

• Updates to this 1984 Caribe GT include:

  • Repainted in 2019

  • Reupholstered interior

  • HCW 15-inch wheels

  • 165/50-15 Zeetex tires

  • Viper alarm system

  • Key fob opens and closes doors

  • MOMO steering wheel

  • Pop-up sunroof

  • Front tower brace

  • Pioneer DVD receiver

  • Air conditioning

Known Imperfections

• Paint chips driver’s door area

• Paint thinner used to reveal VIN number on strut tower

• Gear shift knob indicates the car is a five-speed manual, but it is a four-speed

Included

• Original factory certificate from Mexico

Ownership History

The consignor acquired this imported 1984 Volkswagen Caribe GT in August 2024. The odometer shows 291,740 kilometers (about 181,279 mi).

Additional Notes

This import from Mexico cannot pass a California emissions test in its current configuration, therefore it cannot be sold to an in-state private-party buyer.